KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Derick Peknik, an Olathe, Kansas, man who recently escaped police custody after breaking both legs during a crime spree has now been charged with assaulting an Independence police officer Tuesday at the Jackson County Detention Center.
The officer was transporting Peknik and four other prisoners from the Independence Municipal Jail to the county jail.
He opened the transport vehicle and the defendant stepped out.
When the officer began to unload the other inmates, Peknik ran up behind the officer and put him in a chokehold. Both Peknik and the officer fell to the ground.
The officer said he was nearly unconscious after being choked when Peknik let go, stole his transport van keys and moved toward the front of the transport vehicle, where the officer’s firearm was located.
The officer — who was choked for 22 seconds, based on a review of surveillance video of the incident — got back to his feet and intercepted Peknik, engaging in another altercation before jail staff arrived on scene to assist the unnamed officer.
The officer was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and Peknik also went back to a local hospital after the incident for additional treatment.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has requested a $200,000 bond.
Peknik, who is 6-feet-6 and 240 pounds, was suspected of felony shoplifting May 23 at a store on 39th Street in Independence.
When officers confronted him at the scene, he rammed a patrol car as he fled the scene in a stolen vehicle.
During an ensuing pursuit, Peknik attempted three vehicle carjackings before he was taken into custody, suffering a broken leg during his apprehension.
Peknik was being treated at an area hospital when he escaped June 3. He was recaptured later Tuesday afternoon.
He was wanted for fleeing/resisting arrest and attempted stealing of a motor vehicle from that incident.
