What started out as a traffic stop for a missing bicycle light turned into a full-on police chase in Portsmouth early Saturday morning.
Police say that just after 1 am, Christopher Dekota Craft, 25, of McDermott was riding a bike in the 1600 block of Mound Street. Officers on patrol noticed he didn’t have a light and attempted to pull him over to discuss the issue.Craft decided to take off, heading south on Mound Street despite warnings from police to stop.
Officer Aaron Broughton of the Portsmouth Police Department ran after him on foot, chasing him all the way to an alley off Young Street.
When Broughton caught up with the suspect in a backyard, Craft decided he’d rather fight than give up. According to the police report, he assumed a ‘fighting stance.’ Officer Broughton drew his weapon, but Craft ignored him and attempted to run.
Broughton says he tackled the suspect and the two wrestled. At one point, it appeared Craft was reaching for something in his waistband, which Broughton was afraid might be a weapon. He tried several tactical moves in an attempt to the Craft under control and then held him there until other officers arrived to assist in the arrest.
PPD says Craft is a known drug abuser with an active arrest warrant. No weapons were found on the suspect, but six hypodermic needles were recovered from his coat pocket when police searched him.
During the struggle, the pursuing officer lost his flashlight, body mic, and handcuff keys. Police were not able to find any of the items. Craft was taken into custody and charged with possessing drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, obstructing justice, and disorderly conduct. It doesn’t appear he was cited for riding his bike without a light.