Melissa Bailey Photo
A suspected drug dealer stabbed Officer Paul Prusinski several times in the right forearm as Prusinski arrested him, police reported.
The incident occurred a block from the police station, at the Church Street South housing complex, around 4:45 p.m. Monday.
Prusinski (pictured), a city cop since 2013, noticed the 32-year-old man allegedly selling drugs, moved to arrest him, at which point the suspect started attacking him, according to police.
Prusinski is “resting comfortably at home” after receiving treatment at Yale-New Haven Hospital’s emergency room, police said. The suspect, who was arrested on drug offenses as well as a charge of assaulting an officer, also was treated for “injuries sustained during the arrest.”
Chief Dean Esserman, who visited Officer Prusinski at home along with Assistant Chief Anthony Campble, “commended the officer for restraint used during the arrest,” according to a police statement.
So sorry to hear of your injuries Ofc. Prusinski. I also thank you for using restraint, and I hope that other citizens are also grateful. Hope to see you back on the streets soon, we need you in the Hill!