VIDEO: 2 Philly Officers Bitten by Suspect During Violent Struggle
Police have identified a suspect they say bit two Philadelphia officers during a violent struggle in Port Richmond, reports WPVI.
32-year-old Cesar Ortega faces charges of Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault, Resisting Arrest, and related offenses.
"That's a nasty, nasty injury," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross. "They're battling against this individual... you never know what you're going to come upon."
Around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, two officers from the 24th district on routine patrol observed a man exiting the passenger side of a 2004 Honda Accord with no license plate. Officers stopped the man, later identified as Ortega, for investigation and questioned him about the ownership of the vehicle.
Police say Ortega attempted to run, and a struggle ensued between both the officers and the suspect.
During the struggle, police say Ortega threw punches toward the officers and shouted, "I have HIV!"
While attempting to secure the suspect with handcuffs, police say he bit both officers. A female officer sustained a bite mark on her left forearm and a male officer sustained a mark on his left hand.
The officers were able to get the suspect into custody without further incident.
Both officers were treated and released from Frankford Hospital.