The Associated Press
ST. PAUL - A St. Paul police officer was hospitalized Monday after fighting with a man who had apparently refused to pay a cab fare.
The 47-year-old officer was called to the 500 block of Ottawa Ave. at 7:55 a.m. after a report that the man had skipped out on his fare. The officer, who was alone, began fighting with the suspect after calling for backup.
Police spokesman Tom Walsh said chemical spray the officer used on the other man had little affect. Walsh said the officer was knocked out and stopped breathing before a rescue squad revived him.
The officer was reportedly in critical condition Monday afternoon at Regions Hospital. His name wasn’t immediately released.
The suspect in the fight faces fourth-degree assault charges, police said.