EDGEWATER, Colo. – An Edgewater Police officer is in critical condition after sustaining serious injuries in a physical struggle with a suspect during a DUI arrest early Friday morning.
Authorities say Edgewater Police Corporal Michael Nesbitt suffered respiratory and cardiac arrest as a result of a physical altercation with DUI suspect Connor Dougherty, 26, who police say was resisting arrest.
Police say Dougherty, riding a motorized scooter, led Edgewater officers on a brief chase that ended in the parking lot of Jefferson High School, where the suspect crashed his scooter.
According to police, Dougherty fought with several officers who were trying to restrain him so they could place him in handcuffs.
Officer Nesbitt was seriously injured during that fight and was transported to the hospital. Paramedics also transported Dougherty to the hospital for injuries he suffered in the scuffle.
The suspect was later released from the hospital and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on several charges, including second-degree assault of a peace officer.
Officer Nesbitt remains hospitalized at Lutheran Hospital in critical condition.
Multiple metro-area police agencies are reaching out to Edgewater's small department to offer their support. Lakewood Police tweeted "our thoughts are with Cpl. Micaheal Nesbitt his family and the entire @COEdgewaterPD."