Man arrested for assaulting off-duty police officer

A 40-year-old man from Vittoriosa was arrested in connection to the assault of an off-duty police officer.

According to a police statement, the 24-year-old constable, resident of Paola, entered the St Julian’s police station at about 2:00pm, claiming that he had been assaulted during an argument with another man on Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli.

Speaking to MaltaToday, Police Officers' Union President Sandro Camilleri said that the alleged aggressor, a former prison inmate who served time for committing a hold-up, was noticed driving dangerously in the St Julian’s tunnels, heading north. The off-duty officer Christian Agius, who was in his personal car accompanied by his girlfriend, then pulled over outside the tunnel. At this point, Camillieri said, the aggressor stopped his own vehicle and began to curse at the officer, before getting out and opening the officer’s door and hurling more abuse and throwing punches at the him. Upon informing him that he was a police officer, the aggressor only seemed to become more violent, Camilleri said.

Upon informing him that he was a police officer, the aggressor only seemed to become more violent

He added that there are two other reports against the accused claiming that he attacked individuals in the same manner.

The police officer has suffered damage to his face and nose, a broken finger, a dislocated jaw, and required stitches.

The Vittoriosa man was arrested and later treated for slight injuries. He is expected to be charged in the coming days, according to Camilleri.