Deputy Injured in Fight With Suspect
A 40-year-old transient suspected of injuring a sheriff’s deputy remains at large.
Responding to a call in the 2600 block of south Balboa Street in El Rio, deputies found David Tapia, 40, lying in a dirt alley about 2:15 p.m. Thursday, a Ventura County sheriff’s spokesman said.
Tapia, who appeared to have been drinking and is on parole for robbery, told deputies that he had just been released from prison, said Sheriff’s Capt. Keith Parks.
A call was made to Tapia’s parole officer, who requested the deputies arrest the man.
But Tapia allegedly punched both the deputies several times, and then ran away, Parks said. Tapia is also wanted on suspicion of evading arrest.
Deputy Jason Stephens injured his knee and suffered a gash to his hand. He is expected to return to duty next week, Parks said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
