SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — Duane “DJ” Sanders, 29, of Stanwood, struck a deputy in the face, ear and hand as he was being handcuffed, police said.
Sanders then fled from the 4400 block of 192nd Avenue Northwest.
"He was examined and treated and released," said Shari Ireton with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries and is expected to be OK.
“He was hurt," said Bob Wagner, the tow truck driver who found the officer bleeding and shaking.
Late Friday night, police said Sanders' parents drove him back to jail.
The deputy, a 31-year veteran with the sheriff’s office, tried to arrest Sanders on an outstanding warrant. KIRO 7 checked Sanders’ criminal history and found 17 pages of charges including assault and drugs.
Officers from several local departments searched the woods as a helicopter hovered overhead.
Witnesses reported seeing a man matching Sanders' description running from a nearby store.
Officers do not believe Sanders poses a threat.
"They're going to get him," said Wagner.
"He has a handcuffed left wrist," Ireton said in a statement. "Anyone who sees Sanders is asked to call 911 immediately."
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