Driver arrested after biting officer during early morning pursuit in Sidney

SIDNEY — A man was arrested early Thursday morning following a low-speed pursuit that ended with an officer being bitten during a struggle, according to the Sidney Police Department.

At approximately 4:39 a.m. on July 31, a Sidney police officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a defective brake light. The driver, Joseph M. Blanchard, is accused of failing to yield, prompting a pursuit through city streets. Police say the chase lasted about six minutes, never exceeding posted speed limits and with little to no other traffic present.

After the vehicle came to a stop, police say Blanchard exited and ignored verbal commands, then physically resisted arrest. During the scuffle, the suspect bit the officer, causing injury, police said. A commanding officer arrived shortly after to help take the man into custody.

Blanchard was transported to the Cheyenne County Jail and booked on multiple charges, including fleeing to avoid arrest, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, assault on an officer and driving without a license.

The Sidney Police Department noted that all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.