An off-duty Fall River police officer was punched in the eye with brass knuckles while trying to stop an altercation on Monday, according to authorities.
The off-duty officer, who was not identified, and an unnamed witness said they saw a male roaming in front of 544 High St., Fall River, in an agitated state. A woman and a juvenile joined him and all three allegedly began yelling and banging on the door.
Meanwhile, a man from inside the apartment allegedly began shooting a BB or pellet gun out of an open window. The people inside the apartment then left and began fighting the group outside, according to police.
The off-duty officer allegedly walked up to the group and introduced herself along with the civilian witness. While attempting to break up the tussle, one of the men, later identified as 18-year-old Calvin Copeland, allegedly punched the officer while wearing brass knuckles.
Copeland and the juvenile fled the scene and were apprehended several blocks away by responding officers, police said. The juvenile, 17, was taken to a hospital with injuries sustained from the BB gun. He will be summoned to juvenile court for carrying a dangerous weapon and Affray.
Copeland, of New Bedford was charged on a number of counts including assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.
The woman with Copeland, Susan Hesketh, and the man who allegedly shot the BB gun, Eric Avila, were also arrested on multiple counts.
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The injured officer was being treated at a local hospital.
