A 33-year-old Centralia man has been arrested for aggravated battery to a police officer and resisting arrest after allegedly striking a Centralia Police Sergeant in the head with a closed fist.
Alan Hirsh of Frazier Avenue allegedly became involved in the altercation after police responded to a report of a four-wheeler driving recklessly in the 1400 block of Frazier Avenue around 3:15 Monday afternoon. Once on the scene, a witness pointed police to the four-wheeler and the male who was driving it.
Police say after striking the officer in the head, Hirsh was tazed with no effect but was taken to the ground where he was eventually handcuffed. A holder for a body cam was also damaged in the skirmish. The police sergeant had a golf ball-sized lump on his forehead but refused medical treatment at the time.
Police say Hirsh was also wanted in connection with a Friday incident where he is accused of becoming angry at a pregnant woman and striking her hand with a torch and later pushing her into a 55-gallon fish tank causing head and back injuries. He was arrested for aggravated battery in connection with that case. Police say the woman had come to the police station to report the incident after getting away from Hirsh.
Hirsh was taken to the Marion County Jail to await a decision on formal charges.
