By Jim Kimble
September 30, 2008 01:18 pm SALEM, N.H. — Two police officers were injured at the police station this weekend after having to subdue and Taser a 20-year-old Methuen man. Christopher Getchell, who police say weighs about 265 pounds, struck one officer in the head, while another suffered a broken hand while struggling to subdue him before Getchell was hit with a Taser. "They took the cuffs off and he was obviously intoxicated, agitated and started swinging," police Capt. Shawn Patten said. He said both officers required medical treatment and will be out on leave while recovering from their injuries. Patten said Getchell came to the attention of police at 11:34 p.m. Friday as people were leaving a mixed martial arts fight hosted by Rockingham Park. Getchell allegedly became belligerent with police, swearing and getting in their faces. "He was asked to leave several times and then began swearing vulgarities at the officers," Patten said. Officers began to handcuff Getchell and take him into custody when he started struggling with them. One of the officers took a Taser off his belt and warned Getchell he would use it. Getchell then submitted to being handcuffed, Patten said. Getchell is charged with disorderly conduct, internal possession of alcohol, two counts of resisting arrest and assault on a police officer. He was released on $500 cash bail. He is due in Salem District Court in November. He is the son of Methuen Police Officer Tim Getchell.
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