KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A 25-year-old Knoxville man is facing charges after police said he assaulted an officer early Sunday morning.
Donald Laymance reportedly attacked an officer who was trying to arrest him for vandalism, according to the Knoxville Police Department.
Investigators said the KPD officer responded to a vandalism in progress on the 200-block of Patton Street. A city service worker told the officer that Laymance was throwing rocks at vehicles passing by and actually struck a parked truck. The worker pointed out Laymance, KPD said.
When the officer, who was later identified as Officer Jeffrey Torres, approached Laymance and attempted to place handcuffs on him, police said Laymance reportedly shoved him to the ground.
Investigators said Laymance then struck the officer in the face multiple times with a closed fist and began to choke the officer with two hands to near unconsciousness.
Two service workers reportedly pulled Laymance off of the officer. Moments later, additional officers arrived on scene and were able to arrest Laymance, KPD said.
According to a police report, Laymance told police multiple times during the incident that he was an Oak Ridge police officer. However, the report said that he "was, in fact, a Morgan County correctional officer."
Investigators said the KPD officer received several bruises to his face and multiple lacerations to his head and was transported to the UT Medical Center for further treatment. He was cleared of any serious injury.
KPD said Torres was released from the hospital on Sunday morning and is recovering well from his injuries.
Laymance was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, public intoxication and obstructing highway/passageway.