By Nathan Hardin
nhardin@salisburypost.com
A 28-year-old Salisbury woman was arrested and charged after police say she scratched and bit an officer who tried to serve an outstanding warrant on her.
According to a Salisbury Police report, Officer D.R. Lancaster spotted Amy Lauren Gillespie, of 1017 S. Church St., on Lincolnton Road while in his patrol car. Gillespie was standing with four other individuals.
Lancaster recognized the woman as having outstanding warrants and stopped to question the woman.
The report said Lancaster attempted to arrest the woman, but she turned to flee.
Lancaster grabbed Gillespie’s arm to stop her and she turned, scratching the officer and trying to bite his hand.
The report said the four other individuals then began yelling at Gillespie, telling her to run.
The woman then turned back around, facing the officer, according to the report, and the officer drew his Taser.
The officer told the woman to get on the ground, but she charged the officer and grabbed the Taser.
Lancaster then dry stunned the woman, causing her to fall to the ground. A dry stun has the effects of a Taser, but does not shoot barbs and must be pressed against the victim.
Lancaster then shot Gillespie with his Taser as she again attempted to flee.
The officer restrained the woman but reported that she continued trying to kick the officer and rolled on the ground.
Lancaster found a crack pipe in Gillespie’s possession after searching her, the report said.
Gillespie was charged with felony failure to appear for a possession of cocaine charge. She was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer. She also had warrants for misdemeanor larceny and probation violation.
Gillespie was convicted of misdemeanor larceny in 2008 and 2010, receiving probation for both incidents. She was also convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia in 2007.
She was given a $12,500 bond and was still in jail Thursday morning.