A Mankato man was arrested early Saturday morning in Austin after allegedly assaulting a police officer during a routine traffic stop.

Andrew Layton, 24, faces charges of felony fourth-degree assault on a police officer, felony fleeing in a motor vehicle, fifth-degree controlled substance, obstruction of legal process and driving after suspension.

Layton was initially pulled over because of a light problem on the rear of his car. Once the officer ran his driver’s license, though, he learned that Layton was driving on a suspended license.

When the officer attempted to arrest Layton for driving after suspension, Layton allegedly tried to restart the car and drive away. The officer grabbed Layton by the arm and pulled him out of the car to prevent him from escaping. Layton then struck the officer in the face near his forehead.

Two officers arrived to help restrain Layton, but despite the use of mace and several dry stuns from a stun gun, Layton was unable to be restrained until a fourth officer arrived at the scene.

Layton did not receive nor request medical attention. None of the officers received medical attention either, but the officer that Layton struck lost an eye contact and had swelling on his face. A second officer received minor injuries to his knee during the incident.

Upon searching Layton’s vehicle, officers found a controlled substance that tested positive as methamphetamine.

The case is being forwarded to the County Attorney to finalize the charges.