A Ceres police officer was slugged in the face Tuesday evening, Sept. 8 by a man who was stopped for suspicious behavior in a Darrah Street alley. The suspect tried to flee but was caught and arrested.

The incident occurred at 6:15 p.m. when Officer Justin Canatsy made contact with Nickolas Glancey, 30, of Turlock, in the alley behind Darrah Street. After a brief struggle to get away, Glancey allegedly struck Canatsy in the cheek with his forearm and took off running. After a short pursuit, Canatsy took Glancey into custody.

Additional officers were called as backup since a large hostile crowd started to surround the officer, who didn't sustain injury enough for treatment.

Ceres Police Department spokesman Sgt. James Yandell said the Darrah Street area is populated by residents who dislike the police.

Glancey had a warrant for his arrest and was booked on new charges of obstructing a police officer, resisting arrest, and identity theft.