ISLE OF WIGHT—A Smithfield Heights man remains in Western Tidewater Regional Jail after being arrested on a charge of assaulting a sheriff’s deputy this past weekend, according to Kristen Wilda, spokeswoman for the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident reportedly took place on May 10 at 7:20 p.m., when Ervin Laws of the 16000 block of Smithfield Heights Drive used his hand to strike a vehicle driven by an Isle of Wight deputy on routine patrol of the aforementioned road. The officer stopped his vehicle and found that Laws was intoxicated and then became disorderly. Wilda stated in a press release that when the deputy attempted to arrest Laws, the suspect became aggressive and tried to strangle him. During the struggle, the two fell against the vehicle.

The officer again tried to handcuff the suspect, but Laws continued to struggle; the deputy then used his Taser to subdue him. An additional deputy arrived on scene, and began to provide medical assistance to Laws until emergency services responded.

While being treated on the scene, the suspect expressed remorse and apologized to the deputy he had assaulted.

Laws, 50, was taken to Sentara Obici Hospital, treated for a head wound sustained during his fall, and released. He was also charged with the following:

* Strangulation (felony)

* Destruction of Property (felony)

* Public Intoxication (misdemeanor)

* Disorderly Conduct (misdemeanor)

* Fail to Walk on Left Side of Roadway (traffic infraction)

Wilda stated, “A preliminary investigation of this incident has revealed that the actions of the deputy are consistent with and comport with the agency use of force policy; however, the matter is still under review. The deputy received minor injuries and has returned to full duty.