‘Traffic stop turns violent, deputies prevail,’ sheriff’s office says – Law Officer

RACINE COUNTY, Wis. – The Racine County Sheriff’s Department has released video showing a felon on extended supervision resisting arrest in a traffic stop.

In an Aug. 18, 2022, news release, the Sheriff’s Department wrote: “UPDATE: TRAFFIC STOP TURNS VIOLENT, DEPUTIES PREVAIL.”

“In the interest of being transparent, the Sheriff’s Office is releasing a video clip of the beginning of the use of force incident that occurred when, as described below, Hezekiah L. Saffold resisted arrest,” the release noted.

According to online court records, Saffold is on extended supervision for felony armed robbery, cocaine and heroin dealing convictions.

“This video clip is relevant to show how the incident began and how quickly it escalated,” wrote the Racine County Sheriff’s Department. “The Sheriff’s Office is not releasing the entire video at this time because this is an ongoing investigation, and we must preserve the integrity of the investigation.”

They noted: “A word of caution, when a deputy uses force to arrest a suspect or defend against an attack, it can be graphic; there may be strong language; and it may be difficult to watch. Viewer discretion is advised.”

According to the Sheriff’s Department:

“Hezekiah L. Saffold is currently being held at the Racine County Jail on a Probation and Parole hold and the following charges which carry a bail amount of $99,500:

• 1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety – four counts
• Resisting an Officer – four counts
• Harassment of a Service Dog
• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Possession with Intent to Deliver – Cocaine
• Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic
• Possession of a Prescription Drug without Valid Prescription
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.”

Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling held a news conference on the arrest.

“It’s violent. He’s struggling, he’s on the ground with our deputies, he’s violently pulling away,” Schmaling said. The sheriff said a loaded Glock was found in the car.

“Had he been able to access that, again, I would be standing before this community today having a much different conversation,” he said.

This article originally appeared at Wisconsin Right Now.