On August 23, 2023, a Paris Police officer was assaulted during an incident at a local hotel on the 3200 block of NE Loop 286. The incident, which involved an assault call and subsequent altercation, led to the arrest of Joseph Stewart.
The officer had been summoned to the hotel by management, who reported an assault on one of their employees by a guest. Both individuals involved were intoxicated, prompting the hotel management to request their removal from the premises. As a courtesy, the officer provided them with a ride to another hotel located on the 1500 block of Lamar.
However, upon arrival at the second hotel, Joseph Stewart allegedly assaulted the officer by striking him in the face. Stewart then reportedly attempted to steal the police vehicle that had been used to transport him. In the process, a physical altercation ensued, resulting in Stewart fleeing the scene on foot.
A foot chase followed, during which police pursued and eventually apprehended Stewart. He was placed under arrest and is now facing charges of assaulting an officer and evading arrest.
The incident highlights Stewart's history of encounters with the law related to issues of driving while intoxicated (DWI) and drug possession.
