County deputy assaulted
By Stu Merry
BHG News
It can happen in any state in the union – a traffic stop is made and an officer is attacked by the motorist.
It didn’t happen just anywhere, it occurred in McLean County Monday, July 27, about five miles south of Max.
According to an affidavit, Deputy Justin Cote responded to a report of an alleged drunk driver in a black Chevrolet pickup traveling east on Highway 37 near Garrison at 3:30 p.m.
Cote was notified the vehicle in question had turned onto U.S. Highway 83 and was traveling northbound. Cote observed a pickup matching the description parked on the side of the highway at mile marker 168.
Checking to see if the motorist was OK, the deputy noticed alcohol containers in the pickup. The driver was identified as Joseph Bad Hawk of New Town.
That is when things turned bad. Bad Hawk attempted to flee the scene. The affidavit states Cote attempted to take the keys from Bad Hawk, who was striking his arm, squeezing his hand.
