A Hopkinsville Police Officer was assaulted during a traffic stop Wednesday, though the alleged perpetrator would eventually be taken into custody.  

Officer Robert Stokes attempted to pull over 27-year old Ronnie McKnight of Hopkinsville at Second and Mechanic around 4:40pm for allegedly not using a turn signal, according to the arrest citation, which says McKnight kept going through two more stop signs before finally stopping.

Officer Stokes writes he told McKnight to get out of his vehicle and that he then attempted to pat McKnight down for weapons. That’s when McKnight reportedly told Officer Stokes to get his hands off him before spinning around and grabbing the officer with both hands around the throat.

McKnight then allegedly slammed Officer Stokes against the hood of the police cruiser. Officer Stokes was eventually able to get McKnight under control and placed him under arrest. He was charged with third degree assault, menacing, resisting arrest, operating on a suspended license and failure to use a turn signal.

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02/21/2013/am