New London — A Groton man was arrested Monday evening after he allegedly assaulted several Waterford police officers and then fled. Several area departments were involved in a lengthy search through Waterford and New London.

Irving Hudson, 28, of 76 Smith St., was charged with two counts of assaulting a public safety officer, two counts of interfering with an officer, driving with a suspended license, disorderly conduct, intentional injury to a police dog, second-degree reckless endangerment and first-degree criminal mischief.

According to a release from Waterford police, officers were dispatched to assist the fire department on a reported car fire on Route 85 near the Interstate 95 northbound off-ramp. When they encountered Hudson, who was operating the vehicle, they found his license had been suspended. A strong marijuana odor was also evident, police said.

As one officer began to search the vehicle, Hudson attempted to take the keys, and he actively fought with them as they tried to take him into custody, police said. He broke away from the officers and fled.

Lt. Timothy Silva said two officers were injured in the fight, one sustaining cuts and abrasions to the head and neck and the other with scrapes to the legs and knees from wrestling Hudson to the ground. Both were referred for medical evaluation and returned to work.

Officers from New London, Groton Town, East Lyme and the state police responded  after the Waterford Police Department requested assistance. Police K9s from multiple agencies searched the area, going along the I-95 corridor in Waterford before tracing Hudson to a residential area in New London. He was located at 131 Michael Road #B in New London, where he was locked in the apartment, according to the release.

Hudson continued to disobey commands by officers, kicking a police K9 before being taken into custody, police said.

Kassi Lee Elston, who resides at 131 Michael Road #B, was arrested by New London police for assisting Hudson, according to a release issued by the New London department. Elston, 27, was charged with interfering with police and third-degree hindering prosecution.