Suspect Punches Officer in Face, Arrested

A male suspect was arrested on Tuesday after punching a Turlock police officer in face.

Turlock police responded to the 300 block of Crane Avenue after receiving report of a suspicious person carrying bolt cutters shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

An officer located the suspect, later identified as Robert Cortez, 39, behind a closed business and attempted to contact Cortez, said Turlock police spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis.

While attempting to bring Cortez into custody, the officer was punched in the face, said Lewis.

Officers were ultimately able to apprehend Cortez, but had to use a taser, said Lewis.

Cortez was arrested for resisting arrest, battery of a peace officer, and violation of parole.