NORFOLK, Va. - A man has been charged after police say he assaulted a Norfolk Police officer with a caustic substance.
Dale Bright - charged with malicious injury by caustic substance
The incident happened shortly before 10 a.m. on Monday at the Dunkin Donuts located at 841 North Military Highway.
Police say 51-year-old Dale Patrick Bright approached a Norfolk Police sergeant and threw a caustic liquid substance in his face.
According to police, the sergeant was not on call for a service and was walking to his patrol car in the parking lot when Bright approached him.
It is unknown what the caustic substance is as this time. Police are submitting the substance to a state lab in order to determine what it is.
The substance caused immediate burning to the eyes, face and neck areas.
The sergeant was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with what appear to be significant burn injuries, but he is expected to recover.
Police said he was treated for chemical burns to the eyes, face, neck, and hands and was released from the hospital on Monday.
According to police, the incident was unprovoked and the investigation remains ongoing.
"No one should be throwing anything at an officer of the law," said Alex Long, a customer. "They're here to protect us and watch out for us."
Bright was immediately taken into custody near the scene. He has been charged with one count of malicious wounding by means of a caustic substance. He is currently being held without bond at Norfolk City Jail.
