Police: Suspect bit 2 officers in Port Richmond struggle
PORT RICHMOND (WPVI) -- Police have identified a suspect they say bit two Philadelphia officers during a violent struggle in Port Richmond.
32-year-old Cesar Ortega faces charges of Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault, Resisting Arrest and related offenses.
"That's a nasty, nasty injury," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross. "They're battling against this individual... you never know what you're going to come upon."
It happened around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday near a garage in the 1200 block of East Atlantic Street.
Two officers from the 24th district on routine patrol observed a man exiting the passenger side of a 2004 Honda Accord with no license plate.
Officers stopped the man, later identified as Ortega, for investigation and questioned him about the ownership of the vehicle.
Police say Ortega attempted to run.
A struggle ensued between both the officers and the suspect.
During the struggle, police say Ortega threw punches towards the officers and shouted "I have HIV".
While attempting to secure the suspect with handcuffs, police say he bit the each of the both officers.
A female officer sustained a bite mark on her left forearm. A male officer sustained mark on his left hand.
"A bite is one of the most vile things you can receive," Ross told Action News. "It's dangerous bacteria. (We've) seen officers that received bites that have struggled for years with the infections they receive."
The officers were able to get the suspect into custody without further incident.
Both officers were treated and released from Frankford Hospital.
Police believe the vehicle may have been at the garage for repairs.
