Man arrested for throwing Molotov cocktail towards officer

CORNING, Calif. — A man was arrested after Corning Police say he threw a Molotov cocktail toward an officer on Wednesday.

It started just after 5:30 p.m. when officers say they heard a loud banging coming from outside the police department on Third St., then saw 32-year-old Cassidy Russ walking towards Solano St.

Police say Russ was fumbling with an item near his waistband while walking away and ignoring officers. That's when he lit a Molotov cocktail, threw it toward an officer, then ran away west on Solano St., according to the CPD.

Police chased Russ both on foot and in a patrol car, but an off-duty officer ultimately tackled him. Police say Russ resisted arrested by concealing his hands in his waistband and backpack.

The CPD says Russ additionally had an active arrest warrant for a previous and separate incident in late July when he threw a Molotov cocktail near where the police department stages marked patrol cars.

Russ was booked into the Tehama County Jail on several charges including attempted murder, possession of an explosive device, arson, battery on a peace officer, and resisting arrest.

His bail is set at $1,000,000.