Two Drivers Stop and Help a Cop Arrest a Suspect

As a police officer struggled on a snow bank to arrest a 53-year-old Norwalk man on drug charges Wednesday afternoon, two drivers saw the struggle, stopped and helped subdue the man, police said.

The officer, Kyle Lipeika “sustained injuries during the arrest and was evaluated at the Norwalk Hospital,” according to a Norwalk police news release this morning.

Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik praised Lipeika’s work, the statement said, and “is also thankful for the assistance of the two motorists [...] Chief Kulhawik stated he plans to formally recognize them for their quick and selfless action at an upcoming Police Commission meeting.”

Schanck “has a lengthy criminal history,” according to the news release.

Here’s the full news release, issued Thursday morning:

On Feb. 11, 2015 at 3:15 p.m., a Norwalk Police Patrol Officer observed two people engaged in drug activity on South Main St. at Merritt St.

When the officer approached, one of the individuals, identified as Michael Schanck, attempted to conceal narcotics in his sweatshirt. When the officer attempted to arrest Schanck, he began to violently resist. The officer tackled Schanck into a snow bank.

However, Schanck continued to resist. At this time, two citizens, who separately happened to be driving by, came to the aid of the officer and assisted him with taking Schanck into custody. Crack cocaine and nine bags of heroin were seized from Schanck, who has a lengthy criminal history.

The officer sustained injuries during the arrest and was evaluated at the Norwalk Hospital. Chief Thomas Kulhawik praised the work of Officer Kyle Lipeika.

He is also thankful for the assistance of the two motorists that stopped and quickly came to assist Officer Lipeika with taking the suspect into custody. Chief Kulhawik stated he plans to formally recognize them for their quick and selfless action at an upcoming Police Commission Meeting.

Michael Schanck, a 53-year-old resident of Norwalk was charged with, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics within 1,500 feet of school, possession of narcotics with intent to sell narcotics, possession of narcotics within 1500 feet [of a school] with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia within 1500 feet of a school, assault on a police officer, interfering with a police officer [resisting arrest]. Schanck was held on a $20,000 bond with a court date [in state Superior Court in Norwalk] of Feb. 20, 2015.

Image: Norwalk Police arrest photo of Michael Schanck, 53, of Norwalk.