Officers, suspect engage in violent struggle

Two RCMP officers were assaulted last Thursday while arresting a man on outstanding warrants on charges of assault, theft and failing to appear in court.

Two RCMP officers were assaulted last Thursday while arresting a man on outstanding warrants on charges of assault, theft and failing to appear in court.

The man now faces a string of additional charges.

Last Thursday afternoon, police received two complaints of a suspicious man near Marsh Lake jumping out at vehicles and acting strangely, but patrols to find him proved unsuccessful.

However, the investigation at the time turned up the identity of the individual, who is known to police.

Another complaint was received after the man had been asked to leave Jake’s Corner, 90 kilometres east of Whitehorse, after an altercation with an employee.

Police located the man in the area.

As police arrived on the scene, the man immediately ran toward the police vehicle shouting at the officers, police said.

He was instructed to stop and initially complied with the officers, at which time he was informed he was under arrest.

As the two officers approached the man, he became very combative and violent toward them, police said.

He charged toward one of the officers and assaulted her by punching and striking her numerous times.

A Taser was deployed but had no effect on the man.

While the man continued his attack, the second officer deployed his police defensive baton.

The man began to charge toward and attack him as well, police said, and a violent struggle ensued between the two officers and the individual.

The man was eventually subdued and taken into police custody.

Both officers were injured in the struggle and were examined at Whitehorse General Hospital. Both were able to return to duty.

The man suffered minor injuries and was treated at the hospital before being taken to RCMP cells.

Robert John Brown, 22, of Whitehorse, has been charged with assaulting a peace officer, assault causing bodily harm, attempting to disarm a police officer, and resisting arrest in relation to the incident.

He is currently in custody and was scheduled to appear in court today.