Fairfield police officer assaulted with bat

FAIRFIELD – A Fairfield man was arrested last weekend and was charging with striking a police officer with a bat.

Larry Allen Bell, 75, was arrested on the morning of Saturday, July 6 and charged with assault on a peace officer while displaying a weapon (Class D Felony), going armed with intent (D Felony), interference with official acts (D Felony) and committing willful injury (D Felony).

According to a news release from the Fairfield Police Department, an officer was on patrol at 10:46 a.m. that day when he observed a female subject who he knew to have an active warrant for her arrest. The officer made contact with the female subject, and while attempting to take her into custody for the warrant, the officer “was attacked by a male subject who approached him from behind and struck him with a baseball bat,” according to the news release.

“ A struggle ensued between the subject and the officer while the subject was attempting to continue to assault the officer with the bat,” stated the news release. “Officers were able to quickly take the male subject into custody without further incident.”

The officer was taken to the Jefferson County Health Center where he was treated and released.

Jefferson County Attorney Chauncey Moulding said the officer should make a full recovery.

“Everyone is thankful that this incident did not end with more serious injuries or any loss of life, although it was extremely serious,” he said.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com