INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — An Sheriff’s Office deputy was sent to the hospital after a traffic stop turned violent on Saturday morning.
After the physical altercation, officers discovered a gun lying on the ground just a few feet away from where the struggle occurred, according to the arrest report.
Bruce Lee Jackson, 38, of 8322 19th Street, Vero Beach, now faces multiple charges including felony battery on a law enforcement officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, among others.
An officer attempted to pull Jackson over around 3:30 a.m. Saturday because the tag light was out on his vehicle, according to authorities. The defendant attempted to pull away from the officer, but eventually stopped in the 2700 block of 49th Street.
When the officer made contact with Jackson, he refused to provide a driver’s license or personal information after several requests, according t the Sheriff’s Office. Instead, he told the officer to take him to jail and began exiting the vehicle.
As the arresting officer was placing Jackson’s hands behind his back, Jackson attempted to flee, but ran into a second officer a short distance away, according to authorities. The second deputy attempted to grab Jackson and a struggle ensued.
Jackson intentionally struck one deputy in the chest and mouth with a closed fist, according to the report. That officer received treatment at the Indian River Medical Center following the incident. Jackson also elbowed another officer in the jaw and chest, knocking his microphone from his uniform.
After authorities gained control of Jackson, they observed a Keltec 9mm handgun on the ground next to the patrol vehicle, approximately six-feet from the struggle. They noted Jackson was seen repeatedly reaching for his waistband during the altercation.
A records check confirmed Jackson is a convicted felon, convicted of burglary in 2009 and sale of cocaine in 1999.
Jackson also faces felony charges of carrying a concealed firearm and resisting arrest with violence, as well as a misdemeanor charge of driving with a suspended driver’s license with knowledge.
Jackson is being held in the Indian River County Jail in lieu of $44,500 bond.
