A suspected bank robber is accused of assaulting a Bridgeport police officer who was attempting to take him into custody.

Police say 42-year-old Isaac Eagles of Bridgeport, robbed the People's Bank on Park Avenue around 1 p.m. Thursday and then fled in a vehicle.

About 15 minutes later, they say Bridgeport Police Lt. Chris LeMaine spotted Eagles getting out of his vehicle at Seaview Avenue and Adams streets. LeMaine recognized the suspect from an earlier murder case in 1999. 

Officials say LeMaine tried to physically stop the suspect, and they say that's when Eagles punched LeMaine in the face, knocking him to the ground. 

LeMaine subdued the suspect and took him into custody. Police officials say the officer showed great restraint in dealing with the suspect.

"This whole thing could have turned really ugly and he would have been justified in shooting this individual, but he did not," says Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez. "It just goes to show what great restraint our officers in the city of Bridgeport have."

Police say they are very proud of LeMaine's actions and the restraint he showed. They plan to use the case as an example for other officers.

Eagles' bond was set at $500,000. He is due back in court next month.

The officer needed three stitches after the incident.