Man Flicks Lit Cigarette at Wareham Cop, Gets Tased

WAREHAM — A Cataumet man faces multiple charges after allegedly assaulting police officers following a display of odd behavior.

Wareham Police received a report on Saturday night of a man standing in the middle of Cranberry Highway, directly in front of the Wareham Police Departement, screaming at passing cars.

Officer Calib Larue stepped outside to investigate the report and observed a man standing in the middle of the busy street. After Officer Larue began to confront the man, police say the suspect flicked a lit cigarette at the officer while yelling obscenities at him.

Officer Larue informed the man, Daniel Riedl, 35, of Cataumet, that he was being placed under arrest, but Riedl resisted by pulling away. Officer Larue was soon assisted in the arrest by Sgt. Daniel Flaherty and Officers Jennifer Braley and Stephen Harrison.

After Riedl was placed under arrest, police say he continued to exhibit aggressive behavior by resisting and yelling obscenities.

Wareham Police say Riedl spit at Officers Harrison and Braley during the booking process and then began kicking Officer Braley while wearing work boots. Officer Braley subdued Riedl by deploying a Taser.

Because of his aggressive behavior, four officers were required to place Riedl in a holding cell. Officer Larue received minor injuries as a result of the encounter but did not require hospitalization.

Riedl has been charged with two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and resisting arrest.