Man arrested after trying to enter patrol car and fighting deputy, Tuolumne officials say

A 19-year-old Lockeford man is facing charges of battery of peace officer and taking a weapon other than a firearm from a peace officer following his arrest Monday morning.

The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office accused James Davis of attempting to enter the driver seat of a deputy’s patrol vehicle.

Sheriff’s officials were following up on an investigation in downtown Sonora when the incident occurred. Deputies blocked Davis from entering, prompting him to spit on and assault a deputy, according to a Facebook post by the Sheriff’s Office.

The authorities claim Davis tried to grab the deputy’s baton from his belt during the struggle. The deputy eventually restrained and arrested him.

The Sheriff’s Office’s post said that the deputy suffered minor injuries.

This story was originally published September 1, 2020 at 2:59 PM.