Clifton man accused of assault on jailer

BELFAST – A Penobscot County man was charged with assault on a Waldo County corrections officer after he allegedly grabbed him in a headlock while being booked for drunken driving.

John Garcia, 43, of Clifton was arrested by Belfast police Officer Brian Lunt at approximately 10:40 p.m. Tuesday.

Walter Corey and Officer Jennifer Brickey were on foot patrol downtown when they observed and spoke to an apparently tipsy Garcia as he walked by them. When the officers saw Garcia drive by a short time later, they notified Lunt who was on patrol in his cruiser. Garcia failed a field sobriety test after Lunt pulled him over and was taken to jail.

During the booking process, Garcia allegedly grappled with jail guard David Cole. He was charged with assault on an officer and operating while under the influence of intoxicants.