A Hanford man was arrested over the weekend when he was found stealing parts off an ATV and tried to distract deputies by throwing a battery at them, authorities said.

The incident began at 11:55 on Saturday night. Deputies were called to the 6900 block of Fargo Avenue to a report of a burglary in progress.

A homeowner contacted law enforcement when he noticed the door to his shed standing open and a "light flickering inside," Sheriff's Cmdr. Dave Putnam said. The shed contained a four-wheel All Terrain Vehicle, or Quad, and the resident could also see the rear brakelights on the vehicle turn off and on.

Deputies surrounded the shed and found 33-year-old Thomas Stephen Drummond inside taking parts off the vehicle, Putnam said. Drummond was told to surrender. Instead, he threw the Quad's battery at one deputy and took off running.

He was apprehended minutes later and taken into custody.

The battery struck one deputy just above the knee and caused significant swelling, Putnam said. He was taken to Hanford Community Medical Center for treatment and was released from duty for a few days to recover.

A search of Drummond revealed several shaved keys, which are often used by burglars to pick locked doors. His car was found a short distance away and was also searched, yielding a loaded shotgun.

As an ex-felon, possession of a concealed weapon is considered an added criminal offense, Putnam said. Drummond was previously convicted of drug possession.

He was booked into the Kings County Jail on suspicion of numerous charges, including assault with a deadly weapon on peace officers, resisting arrest and battery on a peace officer.

His bail was listed as $200,000.

Putnam could not say how Drummond knew enough about the victim's property to know an ATV was stored inside the shed. He may have been familiar with the area somehow, Putnam said, but it was not immediately clear how following the arrest.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(Nov. 3, 2009)