Man charged with assault for spitting in officer’s face

CLEVELAND — Police responded to a one-vehicle accident call in the 600 Block of East Houston Street on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023.

Before his arrival on the scene, dispatchers advised CPD Officer Rodriguez that witnesses on the scene were saying that the driver involved in the accident was intoxicated.

The driver was later identified as Victor Manuel Hernandez Gomez, 26, of Cleveland. He was driving a silver 2023 Ford F-150 truck bearing Florida license plates.

Fellow CPD Officer Scott arrived at the scene prior to the arrival of Officer Rodriguez, where he informed Rodriguez that Gomez was being detained.

As Scott attempted to place Gomez into the back of the patrol unit, Rodriguez arrived and observed Gomez physically kicking and struggling with Scott.

Gomez then kicked Scott in the upper torso area, near the throat. He was eventually subdued and secured in the back of the patrol unit.

Gomez told officers he had been at a local restaurant, where he consumed two beers and margaritas. He then claimed that someone else had been driving the vehicle before it drove into the ditch.

He then stated that he did not know the other driver’s name and could not describe them.

According to witnesses, however, Gomez was the driver and sole occupant of the F-150. Gomez became very hostile once again, kicking the inside of the patrol unit.

Scott transported Gomez to the Cleveland Police Department Jail.

Upon arrival, Gomez again became combative, becoming even more hostile while being placed in the jail cell, which led to Gomez spitting in Scott’s face.

Rodriguez later removed Gomez from the jail cell, thinking he had calmed down enough to cooperate with book-in procedures.

However, Gomez suddenly became very hostile again. He attempted to spit at Rodriguez, but she placed her hand over his mouth, preventing him from doing so.

Gomez was then placed back in the cell to be booked in at a later time.

Gomez was charged with Assault on a Public Servant, which is a 3rd degree felony. He was also charged with Harassment of a Public Servant, a 3rd degree felony.

Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Ralph Fuller set the bond for Gomez at $25,000 on each charge, totaling $50,000. Gomez bonded out of jail.