Teen pleads not guilty to hitting cop

An Austin teen who allegedly attempted to punch and slap a police officer pleaded not guilty in Mower County District Court on Thursday.

Sandy Cruzita Torres, 19, was arrested Monday, Oct. 3, when officers found her darting in and out of traffic acting “hysterically.” She pleaded guilty to one felony and two gross misdemeanors in court, including fourth-degree assault of a correctional employee, fourth-degree assault of a peace officer and obstructing legal process.

Torres appeared intoxicated at the time of the incident, according to a police report.

Police Chief Brian Krueger previously said Torres repeatedly tried to walk away from the officers when they approached her. As the officers were trying to calm her down, she allegedly tried to punch one of them, but he blocked the blow with his arm.

She then reportedly tried to slap him in the face. Eventually, police sprayed her with Mace and began transporting her to the jail.

Torres continued to verbally assault the officers, according to Krueger, and she reportedly kicked a member of the jail staff in the shin.

She is scheduled to appear in court for a pre-trial on Jan. 20, 2012, and a jury trial Jan. 30.

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