Suspect Chokes Officer While Attempting To Evade Arrest

ABILENE, TX – An Abilene man was arrested last Friday after he assaulted a police officer after he was pulled over.

According to KTXS, 36-year-old Leland Steinbrecher ran a stop sign at the intersection of N 13th Street and Beech while riding a bicycle that was missing rear-reflectors. One he was detained by the police he gave officers a false name and date of birth.

As the officer attempted to verify his identity, Steinbrecher fled the scene and a chase ensued.

When officers caught up to Steinbrecher he resisted arrest and grabbed the officer’s head and pushed it into the ground.

He then got on top of the officer and put both hands around his neck and attempted to choke him. 

The officer hit the suspect on the side of the head several times, causing the officer to break his hand.

The officer deployed his taser in an attempt to stop the assault and Steinbrecher grabbed it and attempted to take it from the officer.  The officer was eventually able to subdue the suspect until other officers arrived and placed him under arrest.
Steinbrecher is facing the following charges:

• Assault - peace officer/judge
• Taking a weapon from an officer
• Resisting arrest, search or transport
• Possession of marijuana
• Failure to identify, giving false/fictitious information

He is currently being held at the Taylor County Jail on a $74,500 bond.