Suspect detained after attacking gov't employee, resisting arrest

AMMAN – Police on Sunday said they have arrested a man who allegedly attacked and slightly injured a Ministry of Social Development employee earlier in the day.

The incident occurred in the morning when the suspect, who has a previous criminal record, went to the ministry to follow up on a request he lodged earlier in the month, Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi said.

“The suspect ended up attacking several employees and injuring a female member of staff,” Sartawi told The Jordan Times.

The man also attempted to destroy some property inside the ministry’s building, Sartawi added.

Police were immediately contacted by the ministry’s employees and the suspect was detained after resisting arrest, the police official said.

“Arresting officers used the necessary force to control the suspect and place him under arrest,” according to Sartawi.

Meanwhile, the female employee was rushed to a nearby hospital and was listed in good condition, Sartawi added.

The suspect was referred to the prosecution office for further questioning and an indictment, according to a statement by the Public Security Directorate.

According to Criminal Investigation Department figures for 2024, attacks on public employees constituted around 11 per cent of the total crimes in 2017, according to a report by the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The punishment for assaulting a public employee could range from six months to three years in prison.