A man apparently high on spice attacked multiple police officers in Sarasota Friday morning, leaving them with minor injuries, officials said.
The Sarasota Police Department responded to reports of an “ill and violent” patient at a home in the 1700 block of Gore Court.
When officers knocked on the door, they were greeted by Chad Washington of Bradenton who had an active felony warrant for failure to appear. Washington tried to slam the door on their faces, but the officers were able to push the door open. As they tried placing him in handcuffs, Washington punched an officer in the face and another in the arm. He continued punching, kicking and biting officers for several minutes until additional officers arrived to the scene and subdued him.
Washington was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Once he was medically cleared, he was transported the Sarasota County Jail.
The officer who was punched in the face and bitten was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and released. Another officer who was punched in the arm was treated and released at the scene.
Police said Washington was under the influence of narcotics and was in an “excited delirium” state of mind. They found MDMA in his possession and also believe he was under the influence of spice.
Washington was charged with three counts of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (felony) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (felony).
“We want this to serve is a reminder to our community that no one should take illegal drugs, including spice, said Chief Bernadette DiPino, “Spice is a synthetic drug made in a laboratory that can cause individuals to be violent and disorientated. If you see someone acting this way, please call law enforcement immediately.”
