Newtown Man Charged After Officer Assaulted During Hanover Road Disturbance, Police Say

NEWTOWN, CT — A Newtown man was arrested Sunday after police said he assaulted an officer responding to a disturbance on Hanover Road.

Police said Officer Hyvarinen arrived alone after a 911 call on Nov. 23 and encountered Daniel Morris, 40. According to the department, Morris initially raised his hands as if surrendering before striking Hyvarinen in the face with a closed fist.

Police said Morris then placed the officer in a headlock and choke hold, prompting a struggle in which Hyvarinen lifted the 220-pound suspect off the ground and broke free. The altercation continued on the ground, where Morris allegedly struck the officer a second time before Hyvarinen subdued him using what the department described as “lawful use of force proportionate to the threat.”

Both Morris and Hyvarinen sustained minor facial injuries. Morris was evaluated by emergency medical personnel at the scene and taken to Danbury Hospital, where he was medically cleared.

Morris was charged with assault on public safety personnel, interfering with an officer and disorderly conduct. He was held on a $75,000 cash or surety bond and is scheduled to appear Monday morning in Danbury Superior Court.