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Metro Officer Recovering After Violent Attack

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – An officer with the Metro Nashville Police Department was injured after trying to remove a suspect who refused to leave a convenience store just east of downtown.

Officials said Officer Oscar Pacheco, age 33, was responding just before midnight Wednesday to reports that Marquez Easley, age 22, would not leave the Citgo on the corner of Main Street and James Robertson Parkway.

Another officer had warned Easley to leave the store about 30 minutes earlier. He had also been asked by store employees earlier in the week to leave the store because of his behavior.

Investigators said when asked to leave, Easley "suddenly punched the officer in the face." Pacheco was knocked to the ground.

Witnesses said Easley then jumped on top of the officer, put his arms around Pacheco's neck and began to strangle him.

Police Sergeant Cy Hill arrived at the scene in time to knock Easley off the officer. Easley then reportedly kicked Hill in the face.

Several officers responded to the scene and were finally able to restrain Easley. They said he fought with officers as they transported him to the jail and into the booking area.

Officials said Officer Pacheco was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to be treated for blows to the head, scratches and bruises. The three-year department veteran was expected to recover from home.

Easley was charged with attempted criminal homicide, assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct, attempted escape, resisting arrest and two counts of vandalism.

Bond was set at $233,000.

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