Transient Arrested After Biting, Striking Officer

McGruff he was not. But a transient did his best to take a bite out of crime.

Miguel Villanueva was arrested Monday night after cutting off an officer with his bicycle and later biting him while trying to resist arrest, police said.

Villanueva, 42, was booked into Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on suspicion of possession of drug paraphernelia, being under the influence of drugs, battery on an officer and citizen, and resisting and delaying an officer, Sgt. Kevin Santin said.

The incident was reported shortly after 10:45 p.m. near the 200 block of Western Avenue, near Lambaren and Olivina avenues, when Villanueva darted in front of a police patrol car while riding a bicycle.

"The officer had to hit his brakes and swerve to avoid hitting (Villanueva)," Santin said.

The officer then attempted to stop Villanueva to give him a warning about a bicycle violation — the transient did not have any lights or was not wearing any reflectors.

Villanueva then got off the bicycle and took off running, triggering a short pursuit, Santin said.

A nearby resident saw what was going on and attempted to stop Villanueva.

The resident, a 44-year-old man, was punched in the face by Villanueva. The officer then tackled the transient to the ground, where fighting continued.

Villanueva struck the officer and bit him in the hand before he was detained, Santin said.

The resident who helped the officer suffered minor injuries. The officer also suffered minor injuries during the scuffle.

Villanueva was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and released prior to being booked into jail.

Monday's incident is the latest report of a Livermore officer being attacked this month.

• On Feb. 10, an . A for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
• On Feb. 18, an officer responding to a disturbance at a house party . He suffered a broken leg in the incident.