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20-Year-Old Man Charged In 'Vicious' Attack On Danbury Police Officer

DANBURY, Conn. — A 20-year-old man was charged with “viciously assaulting" a Danbury police officer after luring him out of his cruiser late Saturday night in a parking lot on Germantown Road, according to a statement police.

Pierre Elhayek

Pierre Elhayek

Photo Credit: Danbury Police Department

The incident began when a man identified as Pierre Elhayek of Danbury approached Officer Joe Pooler while he was parked at Jimmy's Market in his clearly marked patrol cruiser, police said. 

Pooler said Elhayek had been "pacing up and down Germantown Road two to three times" before he suddenly approached the cruiser and began banging and kicking the vehicle, police said. 

Believing Elhayek was trying to get his attention for help, Pooler got out of his cruiser, police said.

That’s when Elhayek immediately attacked Pooler, striking him on the side of the head and ear, police. A violent struggle ensued, as Elhayek punched and kicked the officer in the head and body numerous times, police said. 

Pooler lost his Taser during the struggle and and was unable to get to his portable radio for help, police said. 

The officer was finally able to get back inside his cruiser and radio for assistance, as Elhayek continued to kick and bang on the cruiser, police said.

Several backup officers quickly arrived and were able to take Elhayek into custody after a brief struggle, police said.

Pooler was treated and released from Danbury Hospital.

Elhayek was charged with second-degree assault, assault on a police officer, interfering with a police officer, breach of peace and first-degree criminal mischief. He was held on $250,000 bond.

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