CANTON, Minn. – A Canton man, old enough but apparently too drunk to know better, was arrested after a struggle with a state trooper during a traffic stop. The arrest of Jacob Erickson, 30, came only after three taser shots. This is the account of the state trooper of what happened:

> The trooper spotted Erickson in a car with expired car plates on Highway 52 in Canton. Erickson fled northwest on rural County Road 21.

> After Erickson finally stopped, the trooper walked to the car and smelled alcohol and marijuana. He also spotted an open case of beer inside.

> The trooper asked Erickson to shut off the engine and get out of the vehicle. He did.

> When the troopr said he wanted inspect Erickson’s vehicle inside, the man ran and attempted to reach for the keys in the ignition of his car. In response, the trooper announced that Erickson was under arrest and ordered him to the ground.

> The trooper radioed for help as Erickson threw snow and ice, which stuck the officer on the face and head.

> Erickson attempted to get inside his car. The trooper tasered him twice. Erickson blocked the electrodes by shielding himself with a doubled-up jacket.

> Erickson was temporarily incapacitated by a third taser shock but resumed fighting as the trooper attempted to take Erickson’s car keys. In the struggle Erickson gained grabbed the taser gun and shot the trooper in the  left forearm.

> The trooper regained control and holstered  the taser.

> The trooper ran back to his squad car, which he used to push Erickson’s vehicle, a Chevrolet Impala, into the ditch.

> Erickson tried to flee on foot.

> The trooper  grabbed Erickson’s upper body, but Erickson kicked his legs out from under him, knocked him to the pavement, and pinned him.

> Two passing motorists pulled Erickson off the trooper and held Erickson on the ground with his hands behind his back

Sequel to the violence

Erickson was taken 60 miles by ambulance to a Rochester hospital. His injuries were non-life-threatening. The trooper was taken in a squad car o to same hospital. He was not seriously hurt. Police said a search of Erickson’s car found a small amount of marijuana, a marijuana pipe, and two folded one-dollar bills with a white powder residue that tested positive for cocaine.