St. J. man arrested after reportedly swearing at a police officer

A St. Johnsbury man is due in court Monday after he allegedly fought two police officers and swore at one of them.

St. Johnsbury police say an officer spotted John Stelzl, 35, on Bay Street just after 5 p.m. Friday. Investigators add that there have been recent reports of drug activity nearby and that Stelzl has a prior conviction for drug crimes.

Authorities say Stelzl spun off while trying to leave. The officer confronted him; Stelzl reportedly gave a false name and ran away. When the officer caught up with him, Stelzl allegedly fought him, which led to the use of pepper spray. Police say Stelzl wiped himself away from the spray, scratched the officer’s eye with the hand he had just used and ignored commands to stop.

The officer swore at Stelzl, who then allegedly took the Taser and pointed it at the officer. When a second officer arrived, Stelzl is accused of attempting to steal that second officer’s gun.

Stelzl is charged with disorderly conduct and violating conditions of release. During the altercation with the first officer, Stelzl also said a pipe for crack cocaine consumption fell out of his pocket, according to police; Investigators are seeking a search warrant for a backpack he was carrying.