Man jumps onto cop car, allegedly hits officer who was following police reform rules

KENNEWICK, Wash. - Police have arrested a 30-year-old man after he allegedly jumped onto the hood of a police car and assaulted an officer who had been trying to follow the new police reform rules and leave the scene

The incident unfolded Thursday at about 5 a.m. as officers responded to the 2600 block of West 6th Avenue in Kennewick after a man there called 911.

Police say the man told 911 dispatchers that someone had assaulted him and was about to shoot him.

Officers were familiar with the man, who has possible mental health issues. They arrived to investigate the scene and determine if he was being assaulted.

Police say they watched as the man broke a bedroom window and climbed out. Police say he then started a confrontation with authorities.

Because of the new police reform laws, officers got back into their cars because no crime had been committed.

As officers were leaving, the man allegedly jumped on the hood of a patrol car and began pounding on the windshield.

Officers say they were unable to leave the patrol car for safety reasons, so other officers came out to the scene to try and get the man off the car.

Officers say they were trying to deescalate the situation when the man got off the car and struck an officer in the face.

At that time police were able to establish probable cause that the man had committed a crime.

The man was detained and booked for investigation of third-degree assault.

Police say the officer who was struck has minor injuries. The suspect also has minor injuries from crawling through the broken window.

Police say the suspect is currently being evaluated in a local hospital, and police are working with mental health services.