METHUEN — A Lawrence teenager has been charged with assaulting a police officer during an incident earlier this month in which City Council Chair Ron Marsan assisted catching the youth.
Jesus Gabriel Colon, 18, is facing two counts of assault and battery on a police officer and one count of resisting arrest among lesser charges. The charges stem from a traffic stop that took place during a meeting of Marsan, Officer Stephen Hatem of the traffic enforcement division and residents.
About 1 p.m. on Aug. 14, the group had been discussing recent issues with speeding and aggressive driving including by people on motorcycles and scooters on Oak Street, according to a police news release.
“Council President Marsan not only shared residents’ complaints with us but became involved in helping find a solution, leading to Officer Hatem being on Oak Street that day,” Police Chief Scott McNamara said.
During the meeting Hatem spotted Colon riding a gray motorcycle with an “extremely loud muffler” on Oak Street and stopped the vehicle. While he was trying to detain Colon, police allege Colon struck Hatem.
After initially backing away for the traffic stop, Marsan said he had observed Hatem and Colon struggling on the ground and rushed over to help. Although Hatem had managed to get one handcuff on the teenager, Colon was able to slip out of it, Marsan said.
He was also able to grab one of Colon’s hands briefly until the youth got free and started running with Marsan and Hatem in pursuit, according to Marsan.
“Interesting day,” Marsan said.
Colon was arrested shortly after on James Road by responding officers.
“Bad timing for the poor kid,” said Marsan, who said Colon had made a poor decision.
Police said Colon’s license plate was registered to another motorcycle and he was driving without a license.
Colon was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Aug. 15. He pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance, according to court records.
Colon is scheduled for an Oct. 15 pretrial hearing conducted virtually. Colon’s attorney could not be reached for comment by press time.
Residents on Oak Street street are requesting additional signage and patrols to reduce speeding on the section of the road near East Street, Marsan said.