URL: http://www.gazetteextra.com/20150807/officer_uses_taser_on_man_accused_of_fighting_with_police

Officer uses Taser on man accused of fighting with police

EVANSVILLE--An Orfordville man fled and then fought with police in a rural area southeast of Evansville on Friday evening, ending with police using a Taser on him, the Rock County Sheriff's Office reported.

Sgt. Josh Lund of the Sheriff's Office said Evansville police and deputies responded to a report of a suspicious person on North Weary Road at West Weary Road around 8 p.m.

Joshua D. Johnson 36, of 418 Old Highway 11, Orfordville, was eventually arrested on charges of fleeing, battery to a police officer, resisting arrest and driving while intoxicated/third offense, Lund said.

A motorist had called 911 after seeing a driver swerving, confronted the driver, and the man had run into a field among some cows.

The man was back in his car when officers arrived and was reaching for something when officers drew their guns and told him to show his hands, Lund said.

Instead, he put the car in gear and drove away, Lund said.

Less than a mile away, the car went down a steep embankment and into a creek, and the man emerged from the vehicle and started fighting with officers, hitting an Evansville officer in the mouth, Lund said.

Lund said the fight was all the more unpleasant for officers because it occurred during a downpour.

Johnson was booked into the Rock County jail ahead of a scheduled court appearance Monday.