PHOENIX — Three Phoenix police officers were injured after a man punched and bit them while the officers tried to arrest him in downtown Phoenix on Saturday morning, the department announced.
Phoenix police said officers near the intersection of First Street and Fillmore Street saw the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Bobby Freeman, and another person get into a fight at about 10 a.m. on Saturday.
When officers tried to break the fight up, Freeman ran away.
Officers then learned through a radio broadcast that Freeman may have a knife and that he tried to stab someone before running away.
A Phoenix police commander and two lieutenants found Freeman just down the street, near 2nd Avenue and Fillmore Street, and told him to stop and surrender, but Freeman did not.
Then, as the officers attempted to take Freeman into custody, he allegedly punched the commander in the face and bit him in the forearm. Freeman also allegedly punched one of the lieutenants in the face.
The other lieutenant received some minor scrapes.
The two lieutenants were treated for their injuries at the scene, the commander was taken to the hospital to be evaluated.
Freeman was taken into custody and has been booked into jail on multiple charges, including aggravated assault on police officers.
Phoenix police said this incident took place near a "lawful demonstration," which was happening in downtown Phoenix, but is not believed to be related to the demonstration.
This is a developing story and more details will be added as they are made available.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
