DEWEY BEACH, Del.- Authorities say a Dewey Beach police officer suffered a head injury after being knocked out by a suspect he was pursuing over the weekend.
Dewey Beach police said that at around 8:40 p.m. Saturday, July 24, the department received a call reporting an unconscious police officer at the intersection of Bellevue Street and Coastal Highway.
Moments later, responding Dewey Beach police officers found the officer motionless on the ground and a group fighting next to him.
When asked about what happened, witnesses reported the suspect, Brandon T. Lewis, 27, of Georgetown, Del., was acting disorderly at the Starboard Restaurant and was removed by the staff.
While being escorted off of the property, Lewis assaulted a staff member and fled South on Coastal Highway, according to police.
A Dewey Beach police officer observed Lewis fleeing and was summoned by the staff members.
Attempting to detain Lewis for the assault, a foot chase ensued, which ended at the intersection of Bellevue Street and Coastal Highway.
An off-duty Newcastle County police officer observed the interaction and attempted to assist the officer when he noticed Lewis was actively resisting.
Police said that during the struggle, two unknown men pulled the off-duty officer from the altercation and moments later Lewis struck the Dewey Beach police officer, leaving him unconscious.
Police are still investigating and searching for the two unknown me who grabbed the off duty officer.
The off duty officer reengaged Lewis, assisted by a concerned citizen.
Both were able to restrain Lewis until responding Dewey Beach police officers arrived.
Both the Dewey Beach Police Officer and the off-duty officer were transported to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del., for their injuries.
The off-duty officer was treated for facial lacerations and released.
The Dewey Police Officer was admitted to the medical center and is currently being treated for a head injury. He is in stable condition and is back home. Sergeant Clifford Demsey said the officer is recovering and should return to work soon.
Demsey extended a heart-felt thank you to the public for intervening and assisting the injured officer.
"We noticed that the public really step forward, there were numerous people who went to the aid of the officer during the struggle that was occurring not even ten feet away from them," Dempsey said. "I just want to thank everyone who was involved that came to the aid of our police officer.
Lewis was also transported to Beebe Medical Center for minor injuries and was released.
Lewis was charged with two counts of second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with force or violence, two counts of criminal mischief, an two counts of disorderly conduct. He was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and is currently being held at the Sussex County Correctional Center on a $35,000 bail.
