Lemoore police officer injured while arresting suspect in Sunday altercation

Lemoore officers responded to South Olive St. concerning a male and female fighting in the area. When the first officer arrived in the area, a male later identified as 28-year-old Casey Johnson, from Lemoore, rushed the driver's side of the officer's patrol car before the officer had a chance to exit the patrol car.

Johnson proceeded to punch the officer at least two times in the face and head through the open window of the patrol car and continued throwing several more punches. The officer was able to strike Johnson in defense of himself and to prevent further injury.

The officer also, in an effort to push Johnson away from the patrol car door, used his left arm to push Johnson back. During this process, Johnson bit the officer's left index finger and began shaking his head back and forth causing several lacerations and bleeding.  At that moment, the officer fired his Taser at Johnson, incapacitating him. The officer was then able to exit his patrol vehicle and take Johnson into custody.

Johnson was evaluated by paramedics and EMT's on scene and was subsequently transported to Adventist Medical Center for further treatment.  He was later booked into the Kings County Jail under several charges of assault.

The officer was also treated and released at Adventist Medical Center for injuries to his finger, face, and arms.