Grand jury to hear case of man who fought police inside McDonald’s

A grand jury will review the case of a Middletown man facing charges after a scuffle with a Franklin police officer inside a McDonald’s.

Chester R. Nichols, 39, of Wilbraham Road, appeared for a preliminary hearing Tuesday in Franklin Municipal Court on felony charges of assault of a safety officer and obstructing official business, and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug abuse instruments.

After waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, Nichols’ case was bound over to a Warren County grand jury for further review.

Franklin Police Officer Patrick Holland was dispatched at 9:33 p.m. Nov. 16 to McDonald’s, 1425 E. Second St., on a report of a man possibly overdosing. During Holland’s investigation, Nichols attempted to flee, according to police.

Police Chief Russell Whitman told the Journal-News that Nichols ripped the officer’s Taser and holster from his vest and struck the officer several times. Nichols also allegedly tried to grab the officer’s handgun from his holster.

Two McDonald’s customers and two Franklin EMS medics jumped into the fray to assist the officer, according to Whitman.

Police found three syringes and an off-white small rock they believed to be an illegal drug in Nichols’ possession, according to the police report.

Nichols was taken to a local hospital for facial injuries and was treated and released before being taken to the Warren County Jail.

The police officer was also taken to a local hospital, where he was treated and released for a bruised hand.

Nichols remains in the Warren County Jail on $15,000 bond.

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