Man charged with battery on officer and multiple counts of resisting arrest

BY JENNIFER CABERA

Austin Bradley Eckenrode, 23, was arrested early this morning on a count of battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting arrest without violence, one count of resisting arrest with violence, and one count of driving under the influence.

At about 1:15 a.m., Eckenrode was involved in a crash at NW 13th Street and NW 16th Avenue. Following the crash, Eckenrode was reportedly “extremely agitated” and had trouble finding his driver’s license. Two different officers reported that Eckenrode told them his license was in the car, but the license was not found in the car. The officers reported that Eckenrode’s wallet was later found in his pocket. Officers also reported a strong smell of alcohol coming from Eckenrode.

Eckenrode allegedly refused to comply with any orders from the officers on scene, then began walking towards the officers, yelling profanities and making fists in their faces. The officers reported that they had to detain Eckenrode for the officers’ safety. Eckenrode allegedly kept forcing his hands in front of him and tried to turn over, off his stomach, and sit up while officers were trying to handcuff him.

Officers reported that they were unable to perform any field sobriety exercises on scene and placed Eckenrode under arrest for driving under the influence and resisting without violence.

Eckenrode was transported to an emergency room to be medically evaluated but allegedly resisted being escorted into the building. The report said that two officers were required to escort him. The officers also reported difficulty in escorting him from the building to the patrol car after Eckenrode was medically cleared. During that time, Eckenrode allegedly kicked one officer in the groin with his knee. Eckenrode allegedly refused to submit to a breath test or make any statements post Miranda. He is being held on $45,000 bail.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.