Sunford Stephanus on August 24 was also charged with obstructing justice, driving under the influence, reckless driving, speeding and malicious mischief.
Stephanus was summoned to appear in court on September 11 at 10 am in Melekeok to face his charges.Stephanus was charged for attempting to hit a police officer with his vehicle during a car chase on February 22.The affidavit submitted in court stated that Police Officer Marsei Orrukem on early morning of February 22 was on routine patrol when he received a call from Sgt. Hideo requesting for assistance.Sgt. Hideo told Officer Orrukem that he was in hot pursuit of a vehicle that was travelling recklessly on the road and was passing multiple vehicles.Sgt. Hideo told Officer Orrukem that he tried to pull over the car but the driver sped away and attempted to escape.Officer Orrukem joined in the pursuit in front of Palasia Hotel. Stephanus was heading in the direction of the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge.When Officer Orrukem got to the Causeway near the Bridge, he was able to get in front of Stephanus car and box him in but Stephanus attempted to run into the officer’s car three times.However the officer finally pulled him over at the top of the Bridge. Stephanus refused to get out from the car so police officers had to pull him out of his vehicle.Stephanus continued to resist and kicked one of the police vehicles, breaking the side mirror.The officers managed to get him into the police car where Stephanus became more aggressive kicking the car seats and hurled invectives at the police officers.Stephanus was later transported to the Division of Corrections. A Field Sobriety Test was administered to him where he failed it.
