Drunken Driver Kicks Officer; Now Cop Is Too Hurt To Work: Report

WEST ALLIS, WI — A 36-year-old Milwaukee man has been arrested and charged after authorities say he kicked a West Allis police officer so hard, he required surgery and is no longer able to work.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County, Elvis Garcia has been arrested and charged with resisting an officer, threatening a law enforcement officer and drunken driving - fourth offense.

Authorities in West Allis say officers responded to a the area of S. 92nd Street and Manitoba Street on the evening of July 19 on a report that Garcia was intoxicated, behind the wheel of a car, and had was recently involved in a dispute with a woman.

Police say they were on patrol in the area when they saw Garcia's vehicle speeding along W. Cleveland Ave. When they pulled Garcia over, police say Garcia got out of his car and laid now on the pavement, screaming "arrest me."

According to the criminal complaint, Garcia became irate with officers, saying he'd fight officers until his 9-year-old son, who was still in his vehicle, was let out of the car.

Police said Garcia fought officers' attempts to detain him in the back of a squad car, at one point using a "donkey-style" kick that landed upon officer Ryan Kendall.

Police say Kendall had to be taken to the Froedtert Emergency room for medical treatment, with severe paint, numbness and weakness. He was later diagnosed with left lumbar radiculopathy, foot drop and spinal stenosis.

Investigators said Kendall was at 100 percent working capacity prior to the night of July 19, and is now no longer able to work. "This incident has resulted in extensive medical care for Officer Kendall, including physical therapy and surgery," investigators said.

Authorities questioned a passenger in Garcia's car. According to the criminal complaint, he told investigators that he and Garcia went drinking that day, and that Garcia wanted to pick up his child when they were done drinking.

Police said Garcia was transported to a hospital following his arrest for a blood analysis. Police said Garcia's blood alcohol concentration was .189, which is more than double Wisconsin's limit for drunken driving. Court records showed that Garcia had been convicted in 2005, 2006 and 2014 in Wisconsin for drunken driving.

According to court records, Garcia could face more than eight years behind bars if he is convicted of the two charges related to injuring an officer and threatening others.