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Three separate calls by witnesses describe the assault that occurred late Saturday as Pierre Elhayek, 20, lured officer Joe Pooler out of his cruiser in the parking lot of Jimmy's Market on Germantown Road, police said. Police were dispatching aid to the area as the callers attempted to relate what they saw during the incident.
One of the calls, the first one received, was redacted to remove witness identification information, police said. Release of the calls was cleared by Danbury State's Attorney Stephen J. Sedensky III.
The incident began when Elhayek approached Pooler's patrol cruiser and began banging and kicking it, police said.
Believing Elhayek was trying to get his attention for help, Pooler got out, police said.
That’s when Elhayek attacked Pooler, punching and kicking him in the head and body numerous times, police said.
Pooler lost his Taser during the struggle and and was unable to get to his portable radio for help, police said.
The first caller described the scene to 911 dispatchers, saying Elhayek had Pooler pinned on the ground.
"The individual was assaulting the cop very viciously," the caller told police.
He was finally able to get back inside his cruiser and radio for assistance, as Elhayek continued to kick and bang on the cruiser, police said.
"The cop is driving around and the man is still following him," the first caller said.
All three callers described Elhayek similarly, saying he was wearing a blue shirt with shorts.
Several backup officers arrived and took Elhayek into custody after a brief struggle, police said.
Pooler was treated and released from Danbury Hospital.
"His head is swollen like a balloon and he is pretty beat up, but he is up and walking," said Danbury police Sgt. John Krupinsky. "I just thank God it was Pooler, who is one of our toughest officers and knows how to defend himself. Someone else might not have made it."
Elhayek was charged with second-degree assault, assault on a police officer, interfering with a police officer, breach of peace and first-degree criminal mischief. He was held on $250,000 bond.
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