Man punches, threatens Colorado Springs police officer

A 44-year-old man punched and verbally threatened a Colorado Springs police officer early Wednesday morning after he was reported for DUI.

Officers were called to an apartment complex in the 2800 block of Upper Vickers View for reports of a DUI driver.

Upon arrival, officers found Tommy Martinez slumped over in the driver’s seat with open containers of alcohol in the car. Officers attempted to get Martinez’s attention and ended up opening an unlocked car door.

Martinez smelled of alcohol, was non-compliant, resisted the officer and refused to exit the vehicle.

Seconds after the officer was able to get Martinez out of the vehicle, Martinez punched the officer in the chest and verbally threatened him.

A one-on-one confrontation ensued until a second officer arrived on the scene and was able to subdue Martinez. The officer suffered minor injuries.

Martinez was taken to the hospital then taken to the Criminal Justice Center where he was charged with second-degree assault on a peace officer, DUI, possession of open containers of alcohol in a vehicle and resisting arrest.