Two police officers were treated in hospital following a violent incident in Vancouver with a man who'd been behaving erratically, officials say.
The Vancouver Police Department said the officers were bitten and punched during the arrest, which occurred around 5 p.m. Wednesday near Sunset Beach.
Police had been called to the area of Pacific and Thurlow streets by witnesses who said they'd seen a man shouting, and that he appeared to be hallucinating.
Two officers responded to the call, and attempted to take the man into custody, the VPD said in a statement the next day.
One officer was scratched on her head and face, the VPD said. Const. Steve Addison said that her arm was injured, and at one point, the man tried to take her gun out of its holster.
The second officer ended up with cuts and scratches to her face, hand and body. Addison said she'd also been bitten on the finger.
At some point, at least one of them was punched, police say.
A bystander attempted to help the officers, and the suspect ran off.
He was spotted by other officers who chased after him and deployed a Taser, then he was taken into custody. Police did not publicly identify the man, but said he's 50 and from Vancouver.
He was taken to hospital and assessed for injuries then transported to jail.
The VPD will be recommending criminal charges, Addison said.
The injured officers were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been released.
"This violent incident highlights the unpredictable nature of our job and the dangers police officers face day in, day out," Addison said.
"These officers put themselves in harm's way to protect the public and keep the city safe."
