New Port Richey man accused of punching police

NEW PORT RICHEY — A 23-year-old man was subdued with a Taser on Saturday after he twice punched a New Port Richey police officer in the stomach during a struggle, authorities said.

Anthony William Jackson of New Port Richey was arrested and booked into Pasco County jail. He was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting with violence.

Jackson was released from jail later that day after posting $10,000 bail.

Officers responding to a house party in the 5800 block of Meadowlane Street in New Port Richey said Jackson was "being aggressive toward other officers," according to the arrest report.

When the officer tried to grab Jackson's right wrist, Jackson pulled away his hand, punched the officer in the stomach and tried to run away, officials said. The officers caught up to Jackson and tried to take him to the ground, according to the report.

Jackson kept resisting while he was on the ground, prompting the officer to twice warn that he was prepared to use his Taser. When Jackson continued to struggle, the officer used the Taser.

The officer soon placed Jackson under arrest and took him to the Police Department.