MERIDIAN, ID – A Nampa man was arrested Wednesday evening after allegedly damaging a vehicle and assaulting a Meridian police officer, according to the Meridian Police Department.

At about 8:44 p.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to a report of a man armed with a wooden 2×4 who had struck and damaged a citizen’s vehicle. The damage was estimated at more than $1,300.

Police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Gary Paulsen of Nampa. When officers attempted to detain him, Paulsen resisted arrest, struck one officer in the face, and continued fighting until additional officers arrived, police said.

He was evaluated by Ada County Paramedics and transported to St. Luke’s Meridian. After refusing medical treatment, he was medically cleared by hospital staff and booked into the Ada County Jail.

Paulsen faces charges of felony battery on a law enforcement officer, misdemeanor resisting and obstructing, and felony malicious injury to property.

Police said one officer sustained injuries to the face and arm during the incident.