Ala. Man Charged After Fighting EMTs, Police Officers

The Decatur Daily, Ala.

Apr. 27—An Athens man was charged with felony assault after fighting with EMTs, according to Athens police.

EMTs were tending to Jesus Ceja, 26, on Wednesday after family members reported he seemed to be under the influence of an unknown substance, Athens police Capt. Trevor Harris said in a release. The family members told police Ceja had been jumping on top of their car, causing significant damage, Harris said.

Two officers came to the residence at 25488 Lucas Ferry Road to assist, and Ceja was placed in a waiting ambulance, but started fighting with the EMTs, according to Harris. An officer saw Ceja choking one of the paramedics, and Ceja lunged at the officers and landed on one officer's right knee, Harris said.

Ceja was restrained and taken to the Athens-Limestone Hospital for treatment, and the officer was also treated there, Harris said.

When Ceja was released from the hospital, he was charged with two counts of second-degree assault and two misdemeanors, according to Harris. He was in Limestone County Jail with bail set at $10,500, according to jail records.