Oakland County deputies attacked in Pontiac while guarding downed wire, authorities say

PONTIAC, Mich. (FOX 2) - A man is accused of attacking Oakland County deputies as guarded a downed wire in Pontiac.

Authorities said the deputies were directing traffic around the wire at the intersection of Cesar Chavez and N. Cass Avenue just after midnight Wednesday when 27-year-old Forrest Michael Perez, of Pontiac, approached them. He asked for a ride to Henry Ford Hospital in Macomb County. 

When he was told no, authorities allege he became angry and started yelling that he was going to kill the deputies. As a deputy tried to get out of their patrol vehicle, Perez is accused of trying to shut the door. The deputy pushed the door open and engaged with Perez, authorities said.

Authorities said Perez began punching the deputy and kneed them in the chest multiple times. 

"When the deputy tried to get out of the car, he slammed car door into deputy and immediately began to punch him in the head and knee and kick, and went off on the deputy," Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.

Another deputy got out of their patrol vehicle and engaged with Perez until additional deputies arrived.

Authorities said Perez continued to be combative and refused verbal commands to stop resisting. After a struggle with deputies, he was arrested without further incident.

Two deputies who were hurt were treated at McLaren Oakland Hospital. 

"The head injury, the concussion ia the most serious and then the other deputy has a leg fracture or a bad sprain," Bouchard said.

The deputies are out of the hospital but are off work for a week on medical leave.

"You just never know what you’re going to encounter, and they have to balance that," Bouchard said. "We are seeing more ambush across the country."

Perez is charged with two counts of felonious assault/resisting/obstructing a police officer causing injury and six counts of felonious assault/resisting/obstructing police.

His bond was set at $75,000 cash/surety, no 10%.