TAMPA – A man was arrested after he allegedly punched a Tampa Police officer and tried to grab his gun.
Two officers were making a traffic stop on Fowler Avenue around 10:40 Sunday night.
As they approached the car, the passenger, 32-year-old Leviticus Powell, bailed out and started to run.
The officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the 2001 Chevrolet Impala, and immediately began to chase the suspect on foot.
During the pursuit, officer Ronald Neipert tried to tase Powell, but it had no effect.
The officers managed to take down the suspect, but a violent struggle ensued where Powell tried to grab the Officer Jerry Wyche’s throat and then tried to go for his gun, police said.
Powell landed several punches and kept reaching for his waistband before the officers were able to handcuff him, according to detectives.
When they searched him they found a loaded .45 caliber handgun as well as 93 grams of marijuana and 6.9 grams of ecstasy, police said.
He also had nearly 500 dollars in cash. Powell suffered an abrasion over his left eye which required treatment at Tampa General Hospital.
Both officers received minor scrapes but neither had to go to the hospital. Powell is facing numerous charges including 2 counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The driver of the car was also arrested for not having a valid driver’s license, and cited for an illegal window tint.