Monroe deputy assaulted

A Monroe County man was assaulted early Saturday, landing one man in jail and damaging two patrol cars.The full release from Allison Selman-Willis PIO at the Monroe Co. sheriff’s office follows:A Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy was assaulted early this morning, December 31, 2011 while answering a call about a civil disturbance. MCSO Deputy D. Ruiz was dispatched to 1850 Charlie Benson Road around 1:11 a.m. after E-911 received a phone call about the disturbance. When the deputy arrived on scene he saw a white male, identified as Michael J. Thurman, 24 years of age, walking around a trailer home. Thurman got into a Ford Explorer, and while driving in reverse, struck the front of the deputy’s patrol car, circled the vehicle then struck it again. The deputy took evasive measures by exiting the trailer home’s driveway, but Thurman followed the deputy and repeatedly drove his Ford Explorer into the rear of the patrol car. Deputy Ruiz was able to out-maneuver Thurman and stopped at a safe location while waiting for back-up to arrive.Thurman was arrested and will be charged with Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Interference with Government Property, Criminal Damage to Property and Reckless Conduct. More charges may be brought as the investigation continues. Deputy Ruiz received minor injuries during the assault.After Thurman was taken into custody it was discovered that he also struck a neighbor’s Dodge pick-up truck as well as two trailer homes, causing significant damage.Thurman’s mug shot as well as photos of the rear of the deputy’s patrol vehicle are attached.