Officer injured with metal pipe while trying to arrest robbery suspect, FOP president says

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - A police officer was hospitalized after being attacked with a metal pipe while trying to apprehend a robbery suspect, according to FOP President Sgt. Dan Hils.

Hils says Cincinnati police received a 911 call in the evening on Friday of a suspected robbery on Sixth and Elm Street. According to Hils, police responded to the scene and saw the suspect, 34-year-old Charlando Peoples, walking down the street.

Hils says Peoples ignored officers’ requests to stop, and as Officer Johnny Harris got closer to him, Peoples “savagely swung a concealed metal pipe at the officer,” Hils said.

Harris, a 16-year Cincinnati police veteran, suffered numerous facial bone fractures and will need reconstructive surgery, according to Hils.

“This is what it looks like to put your life on the line and answer 911 calls when someone is robbed downtown,” Hils said when he released a photo showing Harris’ injuries. “This is what it looks like to serve your community.”

Cincinnati Police Officer Johnny Harris, a 16-year veteran, suffered numerous fractured bones... — Cincinnati Police Officer Johnny Harris, a 16-year veteran, suffered numerous fractured bones after being hit by a suspect with a metal pipe, according to FOP President Sgt. Dan Hils.(WXIX)

Officer Harris is out of the hospital and recovering at home.

“While Peoples was arrested and charged with felonious assault, this is another terrible reminder about the real dangers Cincinnati police officers face every day. Each time police officers stop someone, they have no idea whether that person is a law-abiding citizen or someone waiting to attack them with a concealed metal pipe. The Cincinnati FOP will do everything we can to support our injured officer and push for maximum accountability for the man who viciously attacked him,” Hils said in a social media post.

Charlando Peoples — Charlando Peoples(Hamilton County Justice Center)

According to a complaint from the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, Peoples also punched an officer.

Court records state that Peoples is facing several charges including assault, robbery, felonious assault and resisting arrest.

FOX19 reached out to CPD for a statement and is waiting to hear back.

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