A judge denied pre-trial release for a suspect accused of attacking an officer by repeatedly punching him in the face while trying to flee a traffic stop in Hainesville.
The incident happened around 9:40 p.m. Saturday at the 7-Eleven, 92 West Belvidere Road in Hainesville.
A Round Lake Park police officer performed a traffic stop on a vehicle, which had no rear license plate.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Kelse Banks said in court Sunday that officers made contact with the driver and smelled fresh cannabis coming from the car.
There were four occupants in the car, including the driver, who gave a false name.
The officers found the man’s license and learned his real name was Seneca K. Sanders, 23, of Georgia.
Sanders immediately began to run away and an officer tackled the man, Banks said.
Banks said Sanders began punching the officer in the face and throat. Officers tasered Sanders twice, one of which was successful.
Sanders got up and tried to run away again but was again tackled to the ground. Banks said Sanders continued to punch the officer.
The struggle lasted approximately five minutes before officers took him into custody.
Sanders became unconscious following the incident and paramedics had to administer Narcan for a suspected overdose.
Banks said an officer suffered injuries to his hand and another had injuries to his hands, knees, neck and face.
The Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District was called to the scene with two ambulances.
Sanders was charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer, resisting a peace officer causing injury and obstructing identification.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Sanders, arguing he is a willful flight risk. Sanders also has an active warrant from out of state.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered Sanders held in custody after granting the petition during a detention hearing held Tuesday afternoon.
The judge called Sanders a serious threat and said there were no conditions to ensure the safety of the community and to ensure Sanders does not try to avoid prosecution.