Officer punched in face

Staff report

campbell

A police officer was punched in the face during an arrest Monday night, police reported.

Police said Officer James Ritter did not need medical attention.

Ernest Rayford, 27, of 83 Fifth St., was charged with kidnapping, assault, obstructing official business and resisting arrest.

Police had traced Rayford to his residence at 8:39 p.m. after a burglary two hours before on Penhale Avenue. A neighbor saw the burglars and gave a description of their car, police said. Police stopped the car, and Rayford fled, the report said.

At the Fifth Street residence, police couldn’t contact the owner because a large dog was on the porch. A relative arrived and secured the dog, police said.

The homeowner ran from the residence with her infant, telling police Rayford had prevented her from leaving, police said.

Rayford, meanwhile, tried to flee again, the report says.

Three officers caught him and wrestled him to the ground. During that struggle, Rayford punched Ritter, the report said.

Rayford was jailed without bond to await a court appearance.