ST. LOUIS — A man was charged with assaulting a St. Louis police officer who was responding to a behavioral health crisis at a north city home.
According to the probable cause statement, police responded Saturday to a call for assistance from EMS at a home in the 4300 block of Dardenne Drive. There, officers spoke to family members who said a man was suffering from a mental health crisis.
Editor's Note: The above video aired on Nov. 11.
Officers went inside and spoke to the man, who appeared calm and passed all evaluation questions, according to the probable cause statement. He agreed to voluntarily go with the officers, but as they were leaving, he suddenly turned and punched an officer in the face. The officer fell to the ground head-first, missing a second punch, and other officers recalled hearing a loud crack. The man struggled with the other officers before being handcuffed.
The injured officer was taken to a hospital, where medical staff said surgery would likely be required, according to the statement.
The man, Van Chris Carter, was charged Sunday with second-degree assault of a special victim - a Class B felony - and resisting/interfering with arrest for a felony - a Class E felony, according to the probable cause statement. His criminal history includes arrests for assaulting law enforcement in Arizona.
Resources for crime victims
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
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