A Hinesville Police Department officer sustained a broken nose this morning when he got into a scuffle with a suspect who reportedly was robbing Bank of America in Hinesville.

Officer Norman Ewing, who responded to the incident at 102 W. Gen. Screven Way, said he was punched in the nose by the suspect, who he was trying to apprehend. The suspect, who has been identified as Brandon Patrick, 28, of Hinesville, was arrested and taken into custody, HPD Det. Tracy Howard said.

The robbery occurred around 10:30 a.m. Patrick, who was not armed, allegedly entered the bank, approached a teller, placed an empty bag on the counter and demanded money. The teller reportedly locked her drawer, alerted other tellers of the robbery and called 911. Howard said other tellers also pressed silent alarms, alerting emergency responders.

Several officers, who were in the area, responded to the call, according to the detective. They told Patrick to get on the ground, but he refused. The officers holstered their weapons and tried to subdue the suspect, who then punched Ewing in the nose. The officers scuffled with Patrick until Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Gary Eason arrived and Tasered the suspect. The officers handcuffed Patrick and took him into custody.