58°
At about 3:15 p.m. Officer Kyle Lipeika observed two people engaged in drug activity near the intersection of South Main Street and Merritt Street, according to police reports. He approached the two and one of them, Michael Schanck, attempted to hide the narcotics in his sweatshirt, police said.
Lipeika attempted to arrest Schanck, who began violently resisting, according to police. He tackled Schanck into a snowbank, but he continued to resist, police said.
Two citizens who happened to separately be driving by saw this, and came to the aid of the officer, police said. They were able to assist him in taking Schanck into custody.
Police said crack cocaine and nine bags of heroin were found on Schanck, who has a lengthy criminal history. Lipeika sustained injuries during the arrest and was evaluated at Norwalk Hospital.
Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik praised the work of Lipeika, and said that he is also thankful for the assistance of the two drivers who came to his aid. He plans to formally recognize their actions at an upcoming meeting of the Norwalk Police Commission.
Michael Schanck, 53, was charged with possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics within 1,500 feet of a school, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession with intent to sell within 1,500 feet of a school, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of paraphernalia within 1,500 feet of a school, assault on a police officer and interfering with a police officer. He was held on $20,000 bond and will appear in court Feb. 20.
?
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
