MIDVALE, Utah (ABC4) — A Midvale man was jailed over the weekend after allegedly choking a police officer during a struggle in the man’s apartment.
Rubin Serna, 42, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on a first-degree felony charge of disarming a police officer and a second-degree felony of assault on a peace officer producing injury. He also faces misdemeanor charges of assault on a peace officer, assault, intoxication, unlawful detention, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
According to court documents, police responded to an apartment complex near 7400 South State Street after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance. The suspect, identified as Serna, was reportedly “getting violent” and was heavily intoxicated.
Upon arrival, police reported hearing arguing inside the apartment. When he knocked on the door, Serna answered but he refused to speak to the police.
“[He] attempted to slam the door closed. To prevent any harm to any of the other occupants inside [the apartment], I pushed the door open and Ruben immediately started fighting with officers,” the arresting officer wrote in a police report.
Police say Serna resisted officers in a struggle that was taken to the ground. Once on the ground, Serna allegedly wrapped his hands around one officer’s throat, applying enough pressure to leave marks and restrict the officer’s breathing. Serna also allegedly attempted to reach for the officer’s holstered gun.
Serna allegedly continued to fight against officers despite being told to place his hands behind his back “numerous times.” Officers say they were eventually able to detain Serna and take him into custody.
While taking Serna to the Salt Lake County Jail, he allegedly told police he would flee to Texas once released from police custody.
Court records show he has been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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