Suspect charged over alleged attempt to stab police officer with screwdriver

A SUSPECT has been charged over an alleged attempt to stab a police officer with a screwdriver.

The charge relates to an incident on Sankey Street in Warrington town centre on Thursday during which officers from Cheshire Police completed a stop-search.

Pranas Zaliauskis, of Lovely Lane in Bewsey, has been charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

The 32-year-old has also been charged with possession of a knife or bladed article in public, namely a Stanley knife, and possessing an offensive weapon in public, namely a screwdriver.

It is alleged that the defendant tried to stab a police officer with the screwdriver, with two further charges also arising out of the incident.

One alleges that Zaliauskis intentionally obstructed a policeman in the exercising of his powers under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to complete a drugs search.

It is also alleged that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded an officer with intent to resist or prevent arrest.

Thankfully, the officer was wearing a protective vest at the time.

Zaliauskis made a first appearance in relation to the charges before Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, and he is due to appear before Liverpool Crown Court later this month.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “A 32-year-old man has appeared in court to face a number of charges including attempted section 18 assault with intent to resist arrest.

“Pranas Zaliauskis, of Lovely Lane in Warrington, appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, June 29.

“He also faced charges of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, namely heroin and crack cocaine, obstructing a police search, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article.

“He will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on July 29.

“The charges related to an incident in Warrington town centre on Thursday, June 27, when officers stop searched Zaliauskis.”