3 deputies injured in struggle with man

<p>A 22-year-old Santa Rosa man is being held in a local hospital after a prolonged struggle Saturday with law enforcement officials from three agencies.</p><p>In the aftermath of the altercation, three Sonoma County sheriff's deputies were transported by ambulance to a hospital for treatment of numerous bites and scratches and exhaustion and then released.</p><p>Juan Pablo Gonzales suffered unspecified injuries after he attempted to elude a sheriff's deputy who responded to a call shortly after 1 p.m. of a potentially inebriated male at West Avenue and Sebastopol Road, according to the Sheriff's Department.</p><p>The suspect was detained by the first arriving deputy, but then fled on foot. Additional deputies arrived and joined in the pursuit. A Taser was fired at the suspect during the chase, but it was unsuccessful because of his bulky clothing.</p><p>The suspect was tackled on Dutton Avenue near Freitas Drive, where a large crowd gathered, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.</p><p>The three deputies were unable to subdue him physically or with Taser strikes. The suspect bit one deputy three times.</p><p>CHP and Santa Rosa police officers, along with the sheriff's helicopter, were dispatched to aid in the arrest.</p><p>Gonzales is being held on suspicion of felony assault on a peace officer and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer</p><p>Mike McCoy at 521-5276 or mike.mccoy@pressdemocrat.com.</p>