Township man charged with hitting deputy

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Bessemer — An Ironwood Township man is facing several felonies after he allegedly hit a Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department deputy this weekend at the scene of an accident.

Ryan Gregory Alessandroni, 35, was arraigned on felony charges of fleeing a police officer-4th degree, assaulting an officer and failing to use due care when passing a stationary emergency vehicle causing injury. He is also charged with operating while intoxicated, a misdemeanor.

Gogebic County Prosecutor Nick Jacobs said Joshua Elias was the deputy involved in the alleged incident.

Elias was directing traffic at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the scene of an accident on Vanderhagen Road, according to the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department, near Sunset Road in Ironwood Township.

Alessandroni allegedly attempting to drive around the wrecker at the scene, according to the GCSD, when he struck Elias in the side.

Elias was spun around and fell, according to the GCSD, but was able to pursue Alessandroni in his patrol vehicle until he stopped over a short distance from the accident scene.

Elias was treated and released from Aspirus Ironwood Hospital.

The department said both Elias and the wrecker had their emergency lights activated, and Elias was wearing a reflective vest at the accident scene.