FRIENDSHIP — A Knox County Sheriff’s deputy was seriously injured while attempting to apprehend a wanted individual in the town of Friendship Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 26.

The incident occurred during an ongoing investigation involving the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA), and the Maine State Police, according to a news release from the Knox County Sheriff's Office.

"While executing the operation, a deputy located a suspect known to have outstanding arrest warrants and attempted to detain them," the release said. "A physical altercation ensued, and the deputy sustained serious injuries.

"The deputy was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and is currently listed in stable condition."

Knox County Sheriff Patrick Polky said, in the release: "This afternoon, one of our dedicated deputies was seriously injured during a joint operation with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Maine State Police while attempting to apprehend a suspect with outstanding warrants. I am relieved to share that our deputy is currently in stable condition at a local hospital. This incident is a stark reminder of the inherent dangers our law enforcement officers face every day to protect Knox County.

"Our immediate priority is supporting our deputy and their family during this recovery. We are working closely with our state and drug enforcement partners to investigate this matter fully, and we anticipate multiple arrests. We appreciate the community's patience and support as our teams work diligently to bring all responsible individuals to justice."

Th investigation remains active, and law enforcement officials anticipate multiple arrests in connection with the incident, the S.O. said.

"Additional details will be released as they become verified and available," the release said.