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Police: Man Attacked, Beat Officer In Danbury, Connecticut

DANBURY, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- A man was arrested this weekend after he allegedly attacked and beat a police officer in Danbury, Connecticut, police said Sunday.

Around 11 p.m. Saturday, Danbury police Officer Joe Pooler was parked in the lot of Jimmy's Market, at 38 Germantown Rd. in Danbury, in a marked squad car, police said.

Pooler said he saw a man "pacing up and down Germantown Road two to three times" before the man suddenly approached his squad car and began banging and kicking the vehicle, police said.

Pooler said he thought the man was in need of help and he got out of the squad car, police said.

But instead, the man attacked Pooler – hitting him on the side of the head and the ear, police said. A violent struggle ensued, and the suspect punched and kicked the officer in the head and body several times, police said.

Pooler lost his Taser during the struggle and couldn't get to his portable radio for help, police said.

He was finally able to get back into his squad car and radio for assistance, while the man who attacked him went on kicking and banging the vehicle, police said.

Several backup officers rushed to the scene and arrested the attacker after a brief struggle, police said.

The suspect, Pierre Elhayek, 20, was charged with assault, assault on a police officer, interfering with a police officer, breach of piece, and criminal mischief, police said. He was being held on $250,000 bond Sunday.

Pooler was treated and released from Danbury Hospital, police said.

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