Santa Rosa man arrested on suspected battery, DUI after traffic stop

<p>A Santa Rosa man was arrested Tuesday afternoon for suspected battery on a peace officer after trying to punch and kick a CHP officer who pulled him over on River Road, the CHP said.</p><p>Marcus Thiele, 49, appeared highly intoxicated and could barely stand up when the officer stopped him for driving without a seatbelt, authorities said.</p><p>Thiele was driving through Forestville when the officer pulled him over around 3:35 p.m.</p><p>When the officer tried to talk to him, he observed red, watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol, the CHP said.</p><p>Thiele also had slurred speech and could barely hold himself up when he climbed out of his pickup. He became aggressive and agitated when questioned, the CHP said.</p><p>When the officer instructed him to sit on the bumper of his Toyota pickup, Thiele instead threw a punch at him, which the officer blocked, the CHP said.</p><p>The officer then took out some pepper spray and ordered Thiele to get on the ground. </p><p>He complied, was handcuffed and put into the patrol car, though he attempted to kick the officer in the head from the back seat, the CHP said.</p><p>Thiele was arrested for suspected drunken driving, felony battery on a peace officer and obstruction of a peace officer with threats or violence.</p><p>He remained in the custody of the Sonoma County Jail on Wednesday with bail of $10,000, jail personnel said.</p>