Resisting arrest, man punches police officer in the head

A Modesto man faces charges including battery on a peace officer after punching a Modesto police officer in the back of the head Thursday evening.

About 7:30 p.m., police responded to reports of a man causing a disturbance at 2100 Standiford Ave. That's the Standiford Square shopping center anchored by Save Mart at Prescott Road.

Officers went to detain the man and he punched one of them in the head, said police Lt. Tom Ciccarelli. A Taser was fired at the man — later identified as Wesley McDaniel, 26 — but had no effect.

Fighting with McDaniel, the officer assaulted and the officer's partner finally were able to take him into custody, Ciccarelli said.

The assaulted officer required no medical attention, he said.

In addition battery on a peace officer, McDaniel faces charges of resisting arrest and trespassing. He remained in custody Friday morning, with bail set at $25,000.

This story was originally published October 13, 2017 at 7:44 AM with the headline "Resisting arrest, man punches police officer in the head."