Man Charged In Catawba County After Assaulting Officer

The Town of Catawba’s Police Chief was assaulted during an arrest attempt Tuesday afternoon.

Around 5pm, Chief Brian Bixby served an outstanding warrant for resisting arrest on 50-year old Richard David Miller Jr of Claremont at a gas station on South Main Street in downtown Catawba. According to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Miller attacked the officer and fled the scene on foot leading to a foot chase.

Chief Bixby fell during the pursuit and was injured. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Miller was found about a half an hour after the foot chase in a wooded area about two-tenths of a mile away. He is now charged with assault on a government official, which is a misdemeanor, and resisting a public officer, which is also a misdemeanor.

Miller is being held in the Catawba County Jail and is scheduled for a court appearance today in Newton.

Photo: Catawba County Sheriff’s Office