Sonora Man Arrested After Attacking Deputy

By Bill Johnson Published Jan 20, 2009 04:10 pm Updated Jan 31, 2009 01:29 pm

Sonora, CA — 40-year-old Kevin Oneal Hepstall was arrested after initiating a fight with an on duty Sheriff´s Deputy late Saturday afternoon in Sonora.

Corporal Mark Kerzich was driving his patrol car and stopped at a light at the intersection of Hwy 108 and Washington St. Hepstall stepped out of his vehicle and started to approach the patrol car in an agitated state.

Unaware of what the suspect was doing, Kerzich stepped out of his car and ordered Hepstall to return to the vehicle. Hepstal proceeded to lunge at Cpl. Kerzich and strike a blow to his head.

Sherriff´s Office Spokesperson Deputy Paul Tualla says, “By this time both Hepstall and Kerzich were in the westbound lanes on Hwy 108, amongst the traffic. Cpl. Kerzich was able to gain control of Hepstall with the assistance of a few motorists who stopped and helped.”

Kerzich also used his baton to physically gain compliance of the suspect.

Hepstall was booked into Tuolumne County Jail for felony battery on a peace officer. His bail is set at $30,000.

Written by BJ Hansen