By Janet Kim
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Metro Police officer was hospitalized overnight after allegedly being hit by a suspect at an east Nashville gas station.
Police were called to the Citgo at 500 Main Street just before midnight about a man who was violent and would not leave.
The store clerk allegedly called police after Marquez Easley, 22, began yelling and refused to leave the location.
Easley was reportedly already warned earlier in the day to not return to the store for his violent behavior.
When the responding officer arrived to the location, Easley reportedly attacked the officer. Police said he struck the officer in the face, then forced him into the ground, and began strangling the officer.
Police said Easley pulled the microphone out of the officer's radio so he couldn't call for help.
The officer was able to regain control.
A store clerk called 911 and other officers arrived quickly.
The injured officer's name wasn't immediately released. He was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center with minor injuries and released.
Easley was taken into custody and charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault and trespassing.
Police were reviewing the surveillance video to determine exactly what happened.
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