Man Charged With Assaulting Milford Police Officer Held On $50K Bail
MILFORD (CBS) -- A man facing several charges after he allegedly attacked a Milford Police officer on New Year's Day was held on $50,000 bail following his arraignment in Milford District Court on Monday.
Argeu Silveira, 25, of Hudson, has been charged with attempted murder, assault and battery by strangulation, assault and battery causing serious bodily harm, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and six counts of wanton damage of property.
Police were called to Paula Road around 3 a.m. after receiving a report that a Hispanic man indicated that another man was following him and was threatening to shoot him, according to the Milford Police Facebook page.
Police Officer Russell Poissant saw a driveway sensor light turn on, when he encountered Silveira, police say.
When Poissant tried to help Silveira from running into an oncoming car, he allegedly punched the officer in the throat.
"I think it's a situation you don't expect," Milford Police Chief Thomas O'Loughlin told WBZ-TV's Paul Burton. "You're looking for a person with a gun, and the victim attacks you."
Silveira is accused of gouging at Poissant's eye with his thumb and choking him. When the officer called for backup, Silveira allegedly bit his left hand.
When responding police officers arrived, Silveira was on top of Poissant in the street, police say, and his legs were wrapped around the officer's torso, leaving him unconscious.
"He came close to losing his life. No question about it," O'Loughlin said.
Poissant was rushed by ambulance to Milford Medical Center after suffering a serious eye injury, an airway injury, biting wounds, abrasions and cuts.
WBZ-TV's Paul Burton contributed to this report.
