Members of the public came to the aid of an OPP officer who was being assaulted while trying to make an arrest Monday in Midland.
Shortly after 6 a.m. on Jan. 6, Southern Georgian Bay OPP says officers responded to a report of a disturbance near Fifth and Ottawa streets. Police were told a male was assaulted before being taken from the scene in a vehicle. Officers learned he was taken to hospital after being assaulted with an edged weapon.
A search for the suspect was unsuccessful.
On Monday at about 10 p.m., police were called about a suspicious person near William Street and Hugel Avenue who appeared to be impaired by drugs. A responding officer identified the person as the suspect wanted in Monday’s assault.
While attempting an arrest, police say the officer was assaulted by the suspect, “who was actively resisting."
Two nearby civilians, “without hesitation, assisted the officer by helping the officer take control of the suspect,” according to an OPP news release.
The officer was taken to hospital with minor injuries. The suspect was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Martin Moore, 34, of Tay Township, has been charged with the following aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, assaulting a peace officer, resisting a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and failure to comply with a release order other than to attend court.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
The accused is being held in custody.
“The membership of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment would like to thank these civilians who … selflessly assisted the officer,” police stated in the release.
