Police have forwarded a case to the Stanislaus County District Attorney's office for the possible filing of charges of battery on a peace officer and threatening an officer against Miguel Azevedo, 32, of Ceres.

At 5:27 p.m. on Friday, Officer Eric Gallegos was dispatched to the 3400 block of Waynesboro Lane to assist paramedics and Ceres Fire dealing with a person suffering from a mental episode. That person was Azevedo who walked away from the residence. Officer Gallegos found Azevedo down the street yelling profanities. Azevedo saw the officer, waved his hands in the air and said "What did I do?" Gallegos explained that he was there to help, not arrest Azevedo.

However, the officer was alarmed that Azevedo, who was wearing baggy clothes, reached for his waistband as if he were hiding something. When Azevedo was told he was going to be patted down he at first seemed cooperative. The officer began to place Azevedo in handcuffs for his safety when Azevedo pulled his right hand away and faced the officer only to push him back. He then broke free and ran down the street.

Officer Gallegos chased Azevedo until he stopped at the corner of Waynesboro and Norfolk where he faced the officer with both hands clinched in a fighting stance. Gallegos produced his baton and ordered Azevedo to the ground. Azevedo refused and began walking away. Officer Gallegos reached out to grab Azevedo who then slapped at his hand.

Gallegos forced him to the ground as they were grappling for control.

Azevedo was transported to Mental Health for an evaluation.