Suspect resists arrest in Kennewick Wednesday night
KENNEWICK, Wash. - At about 6:15 pm, officers responded to 24 S Quay St. in Kennewick, for the report of a Domestic Violence Order violation in progress. The first two officers on scene attempted to contact Juan Martinez-Rodriguez, 32, as he was standing outside the residence.
Martinez-Rodriguez ran into the residence and the officers followed. The officers advised the man that he was under arrest but he resisted. Officers fought to arrest Martinez-Rodriguez for about 5 minutes. Deployment of tasers didn't work to subdue the man.
The suspect then took the scuffle outside where he attempted to disarm the police officers. Back-up arrived and the man was apprehended without further incident. He was taken to the hospital and cleared before being booked into the Benton County Jail. He faces Felony Domestic Violence Order Violation and Resisting Arrest charges.
Three Kennewick Police officers were injured during the event. They were taken to the hospital, treated, and then released. The officers will be spending some time to recover.
Additionally, several people gathered to witness the attempted arrest, and used their cell phones to capture video of the fight. Officers attempted to take custody of two cell phones as evidence of Martinez-Rodriguez resisting arrest. Several of Martinez-Rodriguez's family members worked together to keep officers from taking possession of one of the phone, up to and including smashing one of the phones. Officers were eventually able to take possession of one phone, which was entered into evidence pending application for a search warrant to collect any digital evidence of the assault on the officers.
Those who tried to keep police from taking custody of the cell phones, received criminal citations for Obstructing Law Enforcement Officers.