Man arrested for drugs after assaulting officer

Police arrested a man Sunday after he allegedly assaulted an officer while carrying drugs on his person.

Columbia police say Jesse Westcott approached officers while they were arresting two other people for liquor law violations at Bengal’s Bar and Grill. Despite warnings instructing him to stay back, Westcott continued to approach the officers.

While an officer was attempting to place Westcott’s hand behind his back, he reportedly kicked at the officer. Officers were able to subdue Westcott and place him in custody.

Officers found a bag with cocaine, a clear straw with white powder substance on it, and two pills of Clonazepam on Westcott’s person.

As police let Westcott out of a police car to seek medical attention, he attempted to escape, but was apprehended following a short foot pursuit.

He was arrested for escape from custody or attempted escape, obstructing government operations, possession of controlled substance, second-degree property damage, resisting or interfering with a arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia and third-degree assault of a police officer.