Two Chattanooga Police officers were assaulted while trying to break up a disorder on Chattanooga's Southside Thursday night.
The officers were dispatched at 11:30 p.m. to the grand opening of a music and event venue, Track29. It is located in the former ice skating rink at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
The officers responded to the call on a person who was being belligerent and confrontational with security and patrons during a concert.
When officers went to remove the patron, 43-year-old Timothy Hicks, another patron of the business and friend of Hicks, 43-year-old Richard Wetherbee, blocked police from getting to Hicks. Wetherbee then grabbed Officer Daniel Cholota and refused to allow him to pass by.
After refusing to release the officer, Wetherbee was tased. While police were dealing with Wetherbee, Hicks punched Officer Sean Emmer in the face, attempted to gouge out his left eye and grabbed his service weapon, police said.
A fight then ensued with Hicks and Officer Emmer. A short time later, police were able to gain control of Hicks and take him into custody. Both Hicks and Officer Emmer were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The current conditions of Hicks and Officer Emmer are unknown. However, neither sustained life-threatening injuries.
Warrants were obtained against Hicks for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, public intoxication and aggravated assault on police.
Wetherbee was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.