PULASKI COUNTY: Deputy treated after early morning assault

The Pulaski county sheriff's department says a deputy is recovering from multiple cuts and bruises after an assault, Sunday morning.

The department says the deputy located a non-working vehicle with three people inside. The group was located near the 21000 block of N. HWY 133.

While the deputy attempted to verify the identity of one of the men, later identified as Bernard Bailey, the man became non-compliant and refused to show his hands.

The sheriff's department says the deputy issued several verbal commands for the man to show his hands, but Bailey would not comply.

According to the department, Bailey then struck the deputy with a closed fist, and a struggle ensued. Bailey was able to get the deputy to the ground and attempted to un-holster the deputy's handgun several times.

The deputy stated that during the struggle he saw a knife in Bailey's hand.

The release says the two other occupants worked to pull Bailey off of the deputy and secure the knife away from him. An armed citizen then arrived on scene to assist the deputy, while Bailey was placed in handcuffs.

The deputy suffered multiple cuts and bruises. A male occupant of the vehicle who attempted to help the deputy was also injured but treated at the scene.

The Pulaski county sheriff's department expressed gratitude for the assistance saying, "Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department is not only overwhelmed with gratitude for the safety of our Deputy, but the willingness of the the citizens that chose to help."

Bailey received minor injuries, but refused medical attention.

Bailey has been charged with one count of domestic assault in the first degree, two counts of armed criminal action, and two counts of assault in the first degree.

His bond has been set at $350,000.