Man Accused of Assaulting Officer During Struggle on Interstate 45 Arrested in La Marque
LA MARQUE, Texas – A 43-year-old man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he assaulted an officer during a struggle on the shoulder of Interstate 45 following a domestic disturbance call.
According to the La Marque Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 12:40 p.m. on July 14 after receiving a 911 hang-up call involving a female reportedly in distress.
When officers arrived, they found Steven Sandles seated in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Investigators said Sandles was attempting to steer the vehicle into traffic on Interstate 45 southbound.
The responding officer learned Sandles was possibly armed with a handgun, was believed to be under the influence of narcotics and had allegedly assaulted the female driver before officers arrived.
As the officer attempted to take Sandles into custody, police said he actively resisted arrest and assaulted the officer.
The two struggled on the shoulder of Interstate 45 while traffic continued to pass at highway speeds, creating what police described as an extremely dangerous situation.
Additional officers arrived within moments and used a Taser to subdue Sandles before taking him into custody without further incident.
Sandles was charged with assault of a peace officer, possession of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance between one and four grams, resisting arrest, assault causing bodily injury involving family violence, possession of a dangerous drug and reckless driving.
His bonds were set at $25,000 for assault of a peace officer, $25,000 for the controlled substance charge, $7,500 each for resisting arrest, assault-family violence and possession of a dangerous drug, and $5,000 for reckless driving.
The La Marque Police Department said no officers, victims or passing motorists were seriously injured during the incident.
Police also reminded motorists to slow down and move over when safe if they encounter emergency vehicles with flashing lights along highways, noting that doing so helps protect first responders and the public.
