PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man was subdued by a Taser after resisting arrest at the corner of Lincoln and 11th streets last week, city police said.
Jason Patrick Spaulding, 43, was arrested Thursday for investigation of obstructing a law enforcement officer, third-degree theft and driving under the influence of drugs after a series of incidents in the city and unincorporated Clallam County.
Port Angeles Police Sgt. Josh Powless said Spaulding reportedly had stolen a Clallam Transit log book as he exited a bus near the corner of U.S. Highway 101 and Monroe Road just east of the city at about 3:56 p.m. Thursday.
Two hours later, city police were tipped that Spaulding was trying to ram another vehicle near the Port Angeles Fire Station at 102 E. Fifth St., Powless said.
An officer spotted Spaulding driving on Lincoln Street and initiated a traffic stop near the corner of Lincoln and East 11th streets.
“Upon being stopped, Spaulding immediately exited the vehicle and walked toward the officer,” Powless said in a news release.
“Spaulding was ordered to get back in his vehicle, but did not comply.
“Spaulding walked to his trunk, opened it, and began reaching in,” Powless added.
“The officer, in fear for his safety, attempted to detain Spaulding, who resisted and a struggle ensued.”
Two other officers and a Clallam County sheriff’s deputy arrived to assist. A Taser was deployed to “gain compliance” from Spaulding, Powless said.
None of the officers or Spaulding were injured in the struggle, Powless said.
The bus log book was later recovered from Spaulding’s vehicle.
Police obtained a search warrant to test Spaulding’s blood for the presence of drugs. Blood samples were sent to a State Patrol laboratory.
An investigation into the alleged ramming found that Spaulding had been driving erratically but there was not sufficient evidence for an assault, Powless said.
Powless on Saturday said he had no indication of why Spaulding took the log book. The theft and DUI were being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office.
“We handled the obstruct/resist portion,” Powless said in a Saturday email.
Spaulding was being held Sunday in the Clallam County jail on $7,500 bail.
His case is being adjudicated in Clallam County District Court.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsula dailynews.com.
