A man is suspected of biting a police officer on the arm early Friday while resisting arrest in Durango.

Officers initially responded to a report of domestic violence at 4:33 a.m. in the 1400 block of Florida Road. The suspect, Nicholas Smoke, 26, entered the victim’s home, caused damage and physically assaulted a woman, said Cmdr. Jacob Dunlop with the Durango Police Department.

Smoke left the scene before officers arrived. After interviewing the victim, officers located a man riding a bicycle without proper lights along Florida Road. Police interviewed the man and determined he was the suspect, Dunlop said.

Smoke resisted arrest, resulting in a struggle on the ground. During the struggle, Smoke bit a police officer on the arm, causing abrasions, Dunlop said.

While he was in the back of the patrol car, he repeatedly kicked the door, resulting in an estimated $3,000 in damage to the vehicle. The officers were forced to place leg restraints on Smoke.

“The male subject was very aggressive,” Dunlop said.

Smoke is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, Dunlop said.

The man was taken to La Plata County Jail and was charged with felony burglary, two counts of felony assault, two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of violation of a protection order, a violation of bail conditions, resisting arrest and obstruction of a peace officer.

asemadeni@durangoherald.com