Portsmouth man indicted on six charges, including assault and battery on a CC law enforcement officer

A Portsmouth man involved in a struggle with a Charles City deputy has been indicted on six charges by a grand jury.

Derrick Croom, 60, of the 2200 block of Queen Street, Portsmouth, was indicted on one count each of assault and battery of a law enforcement officer, possession of a Schedule I/II drug, misdemeanor obstruction of justice, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated on drugs, and two counts of misdemeanor destruction of property following Nov. 12 proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court.

On June 9, around 12:30 p.m., a Charles City deputy responded to a call for assistance at the intersection of John Tyler Memorial Highway (Route 5) and Wayside Road (Route 607). When the officer arrived an individual on a moped fell onto the vehicle. The deputy noticed blood and asked if the subject was okay, with the subject, later identified as Croom, saying people were attempting to kill him.

Local fire and EMS responded to the scene, with Croom being placed in the rear of the ambulance to get checked out. After several minutes, the deputy went to the rear of the ambulance when the subject allegedly became combative. The subject allegedly struck the deputy, and a struggle ensued. While the subject was able to be restrained by assisting officers, the deputy, Floyd Miles Jr., suffered a medical emergency and later succumbed to it.

Charles City Commonwealth’s Attorney Tyler Klink could not comment or provide any additional information on the matter and if additional charges would be filed as the case is pending.