Officer assaulted, suspect tased in downtown Columbia

A Columbia police officer was kicked in the head while responding to a physical disturbance outside The Field House in downtown Columbia Wednesday night just before 11.

People had already flagged down an officer because of an on-going fight around 10:47 p.m. The officer saw Matthew Mackey punch another man in the face, knocking him to the ground.

But when he tried arresting him, Mackey took off running east down Broadway towards College Avenue. After the officer caught Mackey and took him into custody, he says a different suspect, Andrew Mackey, came running at him.

Andrew Mackey is accused of kicking the officer in the head, before falling to the ground. Witnesses who saw the struggle helped hold Andrew Mackey until other officers arrived on the scene.

Police told ABC 17 News they had to use a taser on one of the men. Officials at the scene said they have to use their best judgement when it comes to tasers and promised to review the situation to make sure this use was necessary.

The officer was taken to the hospital by ambulance with minor injuries and has since been discharged. The third person from the disturbance went to the hospital with a serious head injury.

ABC17 News has confirmed no weapons were used in the assault.

Stay with ABC 17 News as we continue to gather more details on this developing story.