Man Throws Rocks at Police Officer

A Dunedin tree trimmer is accused of striking a Clearwater Police officer with a rock while attempting to flee during the midnight hour on March 13.

Two Clearwater Police officers were responding to a call about a prowler around 12:15 a.m. on March 13, when they encountered Martin Quintero, 48, of Dunedin, on the porch of a home on Druid Road, according to Pinellas County arrest records.

When the officers identified themselves, Quintero fled on foot, falling in a neighboring driveway. As Quintero got back up, the officers report that he threw a handful of rocks at Officer Scott Durivou.

One of the rocks struck Durivou in the forehead, causing a laceration.

Quintero continued to fight the officers on the ground, hitting, kicking and wrestling in an attempt to get free.

Arrest records indicate Quintero showed signs of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

He was arrested and charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer and felony resisting an officer with violence. Quintero is in custody and awaiting trial at Pinellas County Jail on $10,000 bond.

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