A domestic dispute that turned violent ended Wednesday with an assault on a Dalton Police officer and two men under arrest. Ramiro Sanchez, 26, of Dalton and Matthew John Katsianis, 21, of Norcross were both arrested for their roles in the incident.
The incident happened at approximately 8 a.m. when Sanchez arrived in a white car at the residence of an ex-girlfriend at 903 North Hamilton St. and demanded to be let inside. Witnesses reported that Sanchez beat on the door and attempted to kick it in. After he was unsuccessful, witnesses say Sanchez used a crowbar to strike and damage the windshield of the victim’s car.
When DPD Officer Richard Cook arrived on scene, Sanchez had fled behind the residence. Cook gave chase through a wooded area and caught up to Sanchez in a gravel parking lot at 924 Selvidge St. where a white car was waiting with the passenger door open. Cook grabbed Sanchez and attempted to arrest him, but Sanchez was holding on to the car, driven by Katsianis. Katsianis pushed the gas and attempted to drive away, dragging Sanchez and Officer Cook approximately 20-30 feet before Sanchez let go.
Katsianis stopped the car and complied with officer commands, but Sanchez continued to resist arrest.
A second DPD officer, John Edwards, arrived on scene and assisted Officer Cook with getting Sanchez into handcuffs.
Officer Cook sustained abrasions and a sprained knee from being dragged by the vehicle.
Katsianis was charged with being a party to a crime, conspiracy to commit a crime, aggravated assault on a police officer, and felony obstruction of justice. Sanchez was charged with aggravated stalking, criminal trespass, criminal attempt to commit burglary, felony obstruction of justice, four counts of cruelty to children in the 3rd degree, public intoxication and disorderly conduct.