By Staff
NILES - Niles City Police Officer Rob Edmonson received a few more scrapes than usual and suffered a broken thumb when conducting a traffic stop which turned into an on-foot pursuit Monday night.
Around 7 p.m. Monday night, Edmonson attempted to conduct a traffic stop after witnessing a 1983 Chevy Camaro traveling at a high rate of speed and squealing its tires in the area of Main and Hickory streets.
The vehicle attempted to flee a short distance after Edmonson activated the lights on his patrol car, before the lone occupant, later identified as James Matthew Sanders, 42, 1206 Jerome St., fled on foot.
Edmonson gave pursuit and caught up to Sanders a short distance away. Sanders then allegedly turned around, grabbed Edmonson, and a struggle ensued.
Sanders broke away from Edmonson and fled again. Officer Edmonson again caught up with Sanders and advised him several times that he was under arrest.
Sanders continued to resist and fight Edmonson until back up units arrived and assisted Edmonson.
Sanders was transported to the Niles Law Enforcement Complex where he was booked and lodged for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, third offense, driving while license suspended, fourth offense, and resisting and obstructing with injury.
Edmonson received a broken left thumb, cuts and abrasions on his legs. Sanders received a cut to his head.