New Holland man attacked and spat in mouth by police officer during Memorial Day arrest: Police | Local News

A New Holland Borough man bit an officer’s finger and spat in another officer’s mouth as they attempted to arrest him for drunkenly harassing a family on Memorial Day, police said.

Pablo Duran, 22, is charged with aggravated assault and seven related offenses after he fought with three police officers who responded to a dispute outside his home in the 300 block of East Main Street on Monday.

According to charging documents, police arrived at Duran’s residence at 7:10 p.m. and found him in the parking lot arguing with another man. Duran was visibly drunk and belligerent, his hand bleeding. He had smashed potted plants and broken a window and a gas grill.

A witness told police that Duran pushed a neighbor, causing property damage that police estimated at more than $1,300.

When police attempted to arrest Duran, he began kicking and trying to break free. According to police, three officers sustained minor injuries as they were taking Duran into the patrol car. As Duran was being taken to the New Holland Police Station, he spat in the mouth of an officer who was attempting to put him in a cell.

Duran has been facing two other charges since February, including theft and animal cruelty. He is in the Lancaster County Jail after being released on $60,000 bail.

Duran’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 12. He is represented by a public defender, but no specific attorney was listed on his file as of Wednesday afternoon.