A 36-year-old man was arrested for 5 criminal charges Wednesday morning after he fought with a Corpus Christi Police Officer on the 9500 block of Lovebird Street.

Corpus Christi Police investigated a residential burglary on the 900 block of Ribbontail Street Wednesday morning in which the suspect fled from police. A Corpus Christi Police Officer drove through the area for a last time before the end of his shift at about 6:30am and saw 36-year-old Thomas Garcia (3/5/1977) between two houses on the 9500 block of Lovebird Street.

The Officer got out of his patrol car and demanded Garcia to surrender. Garcia charged the Officer aggressively and the officer used the electronic control device to safely apprehend Garcia. There was a mechanical malfunction with the device and Garcia ran from the Officer.

The Officer chased Garcia and the two dropped to the ground while Garcia struggled with the Officer. Garcia grabbed the Officers service pistol on the Officers belt and attempted to disarm the Officer. The Officer kept control of his pistol and used the electronic control device to attempt to achieve compliance from Garcia. Garcia attempted to take the electronic control device from the Officer and then bit the Officer.

A civilian emerged from a house and asked to help the Officer while Garcia fought with the Officer. The Officer accepted the help and the two struggled with Garcia until other Corpus Christi Police Officers arrived to force Garcia into handcuffs.

Garcia was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation and then delivered to the city detention center. The Officer was treated for the bite and other minor injuries and released from the hospital.

Garcia was arrested for Assault on a Public Servant (3^rd degree felony); Attempting to take a weapon from a Police Officer (3^rd degree felony); Resisting arrest (Class A misdemeanor); Evading arrest (Class A misdemeanor); and Fail to Identify (Class C misdemeanor).

Officers are thankful for the help from the civilian and recommend anyone who may help a Police Officer in a struggle should first ask to provide the help as did happened in this event.

Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 6:30am

Location: 9500 Lovebird Street http://goo.gl/maps/n8h0J

Offense: Assault on a Public Servant

Case Number: 1303130026