COLORADO SPRINGS — A Colorado Springs police officer was allegedly punched by a drunk driver at an apartment complex around 2 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Officers responded to a citizen's call and complaint at the Vista View Apartments, which is near Union Blvd. and Dublin Blvd.
When an officer arrived on scene, they noticed a vehicle was parked illegally and inside was a man who was passed out behind the wheel. When the officer got close to the car, they saw open containers of alcohol. The officer knocked on the driver's window and didn't get a response from the driver. The officer then opened the unlocked door and a strong smell of alcohol hit his face.
The man in the car was later identified as 44-year-old Tommy Martinez of Colorado Springs.
Police say Martinez was non-compliant, resisted arrested and refused to leave the vehicle. According to police, the officer had to remove Martinez from the vehicle and when he did, Martinez allegedly verbally threatened and then punched the officer in the chest.
A one on one confrontation happened, and a second officer was called to the scene. Limited force was used to overpower Martinez. The officer suffered minor injuries.
Martinez has been charged with second degree assault on a peace officer, DUI, possession of open containers of alcohol in a vehicle, and resisting arrested.
