Burglary suspect fights deputies, bites ambulance worker

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A burglary suspect fought sheriff's deputies, bit an ambulance worker's thumb and damaged a hotel room and county vehicles when he was arrested, authorities said.

Cumberland County deputies had to use a stun gun on Patrick Earl Gaston, 24, when he became combative as they tried to arrest him Friday at a hotel on Cedar Creek Road.

Three detectives were assaulted before they were able to subdue him.

Gaston, of 3638 Dunn Road, faces four counts each of assault with a firearm or other deadly weapon and misdemeanor assault on a government official, three counts of damage to personal property, and one count of malicious conduct by a prisoner. More charges are pending.

Gaston had been wanted on charges of felony larceny and possession of stolen goods in connection with a March 16 home break-in Fayetteville, in which a family's dog was also killed.

He was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Friday after claiming to have swallowed several grams of cocaine, authorities said.

Once in the ambulance, authorities said, he tried to strike EMS workers and bit one worker's thumb. Investigators said he also damaged equipment and the interior of the ambulance.

He also spit at emergency room doctors, nurses and staff at Cape Fear Valley, deputies said.