HAINES CITY, Fla. (WFLA) – A man was arrested after a foot chase and altercation where he reached for a Haines City officer’s gun on Sunday.
According to police, Officer William Tucker responded to 1603 Bartley Street after receiving word that a suspect with an active warrant was at the location.
Ervin Belford, 44, fled on foot when he saw Officer Tucker.
He was caught near 1305 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Way.
Belford refused commands given to him by the officer and initiated a fight, pulling the mic from the officer’s vest and throwing punches.
Police said Belford then began tugging and pulling on the officer’s firearm, attempting to remove it from the holster.
Officer Tucker was able to free his arm and deploy his Taser twice.
He was able to handcuff Belford.
Officer Tucker regained use of his radio and called for other units.
Belford was taken to Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries including a broken toe, a swollen eye and scratches to his wrists.
He was cleared and taken to the Polk County Jail.
The officer did not receive any injuries that required medical attention.
Belford is being charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, depriving law enforcement of radio communication, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest without violence and violation of probation.
Police said he has an extensive criminal history in Polk County that dates back to 1993. He has served seven different stints in a Florida state prison for crimes including manslaughter, grand theft auto and more.
