Police: Long Island officer struck, dragged by man on dirt bike

FREEPORT (WABC) -- A Long Island man is under arrest after authorities say he struck a Nassau County police officer with his dirt bike.

According to detectives, a Freeport Police Officer was assigned to the Woodcleft Avenue Nautical Festival Saturday night when he observed Jovan Finch, 25 of Freeport, operating a Kawasaki dirt bike recklessly northbound on Woodcleft Avenue.

The officer, while on foot, signaled for Finch to stop the motorcycle.

Police say Finch refused to stop and struck the officer as he attempted to swerve around him, and that the officer grabbed Finch and was subsequently dragged a short distance before the motorcycle came to a stop.

As the officer attempted to place Finch under arrest the defendant refused to comply and began kicking the officer, according to police.

Additional Freeport Police arrived to assist and were forced to use a Taser to gain control of the defendant. The officer was treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the arrest.

Finch is charged with Assault 2nd degree, Reckless Endangerment 2nd degree, Menacing 2nd degree, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 2nd degree, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Failure to Obey a Police Officer as well as additional motor vehicle violations.