Man allegedly uses LimeBike to attack SBPD officer

SOUTH BEND — A man is facing four criminal charges after police say he threw a LimeBike at an officer trying to arrest him.

According to court documents, Officer Briar Johnston approached the suspect, Tommy Heflin, while he was riding the bike on Mishawaka Avenue Tuesday, April 10, because there was a warrant out for Heflin's arrest.

A probable cause affidavit shows when Officer Johnston ordered Heflin off the bike, he refused. He then allegedly asked the officer if he could "get rid of the drugs in his pocket" before being arrested. When the officer told him no, Heflin reportedly got off the bike, picked it up and threw it at Officer Johnston, resulting in minor injuries.

Police say right after that, Heflin started running down several streets. Officer Johnston followed him, eventually convincing Heflin to stop running.

Court records show he asked one more time if he could throw his drugs away, but again, the officer refused.

Heflin is accused of having cocaine in his pocket and a pipe used to smoke it inside his hooded sweatshirt.

He's now facing charges of battery against a public safety official, resisting law enforcement, possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia.

The initial warrant was ordered for his arrest because officials say he was an inmate at the DuComb Center who left in September and never returned.

He has an extensive criminal history including burglary, theft and resisting law enforcement convictions dating back to 1996.