A Modesto man was arrested by Ripon Police’s Special Investigation Unit detectives Tuesday on several felony charges including battery on a police officer.

Charles Stephen Overturf Jr., 32, was taken into custody at his Modesto home in the 700 block of Thrasher Avenue without incident, according to First Sergeant Steve Merchant.

He was transported to the San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp where he was held on suspicion of possessing stolen property, vehicle theft, resisting arrest and battery on a police officer when he allegedly rammed a Ripon police unit.

Ripon officers first made contact with Overturf last Friday evening shortly before 9 p.m. when they were dispatched to the Ripon Shell gas station in the 300 block of East Main Street regarding a stolen vehicle.

A Ripon motorist had reportedly pulled up in front of the station and left his vehicle running as he went into the convenience store. A short time later he returned to his car and found it had been stolen.

Officers responding to the station found the vehicle behind the Ripon Fire Department across the Highway 99 freeway. First Sergeant Steve Merchant said that when officers attempted to take the driver into custody, he allegedly backed the stolen vehicle into the police car narrowly missing the officer.

Sgt. Merchant said the suspect physically resisted arrest and then fled on foot from the scene south of East Main Street and east of Stockton Avenue.