Harrington Police allegedly arrest DUI suspect after trying to take officer’s gun

Police in Harrington say they have arrested a Harrington man after he tried to take an officers gun during a DUI investigation.

According to police, on Thursday they got a call about a possible drunk driver in the Harrington area. Police say, they found a vehicle fitting the descriptions in the parking lot of the Royal Farms on Milford-Harrington Highway. Officers say they contacted the driver, identified as 56-year-old Charles McDowell, and immediately smelled and odor of alcohol. McDowell was given a sobriety tests which he apparently failed and was taken into custody.

While at the Harrington Police station McDowell reportedly refused to submit to the intoxilyzer test so he was sent to Milford Memorial Hospital for a blood test. When hospital staff attempted to take McDowell’s blood he reportedly began fighting with the Harrington Officer. While fighting with the officer McDowell reportedly grabbed the officer’s gun and attempted to remove it from the holster, but was not able to do so. A Milford Police Officer, who was already at the hospital apparently assisted the Harrington Officer and took McDowell into custody. A blood draw was finally performed and McDowell was treated for injuries he sustained while fighting with officers.

Once back at the Harrington Police Department for processing a computer check reportedly found that McDowell had three previous DUI convictions dating back to 2007.

McDowell is being charged with removing or attempting to remove firearm for law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with force, forth offense driving under the influence of alcohol, and offensive touching of a law enforcement officer. He is being held on a $7,000 secured bond.