Police Say Suspect Rammed Patrol Car and Fought Officers

A 38-year-old fugitive was arrested Friday after he rammed a police patrol car and wrestled with four officers trying to arrest him on suspicion of having methamphetamine, police said.

Officers responding to a 9 a.m. report of a suspicious man and possible drug dealer at an apartment complex in the 2600 block of Harbor Boulevard tried to question Daron Michael Corneto, who ran to his car and tried to drive away, Police Sgt. Tom Winter said.

Corneto then rammed his pursuers’ vehicle and, shaking off the effects of pepper spray, fought with several officers before being taken into custody, Winter said. Corneto appeared to be under the influence of drugs and allegedly had methamphetamine, Winter said.

He was held without bail at the Orange County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer and drug possession.

He also was wanted on an $500,000 arrest warrant in connection with a previous assault on a police officer, Winter said. No information was available Friday on that incident.

Corneto was treated for minor injuries Friday at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian before he was taken to the county jail, Winter said.