Suspect headbutts, knocks out Lynn cop during scuffle

LYNN-A routine police matter escalated on Jackson Street early Monday after a suspect head-butted a police officer, causing him to collapse and temporarily lose consciousness, police said.Paul Boudreau, 31, of Lynn, was arrested at the scene for allegedly assaulting Officer John Harkness, who was briefly hospitalized after the incident.Police responded to 75 Jackson St., the home of Boudreau’s mother, at about 1:30 a.m. on a report that Boudreau and the mother of his baby, Trina Payzont, 33, were trespassing at the home.The situation turned ugly when police arrested the couple for trespassing after Boudreau’s mother said they were not welcome.As officers tried to place Boudreau into the police car, Boudreau allegedly refused to enter the vehicle, police said. Then, he intentionally head butted Harkness, who collapsed to the ground and temporarily lost consciousness, according to police.Fire Department paramedics treated Harkness at the scene for a head wound. He was later brought to Union Hospital, where a doctor advised him not to return to work for three days, police said.Boudreau was charged with assault and battery on a police officer, trespassing and resisting arrest. Payzont was charged with trespassing.Police had been called to 75 Jackson St. about 15 minutes before the couple was arrested.Boudreau’s mother reported her son and Payzont were trespassing at her home, where she was caring for the couple’s 3 ? month old daughter.Boudreau’s mother told police she was caring for her granddaughter because the couple is homeless and living on the streets.Payzont also has a 5-year-old son who was temporarily staying with a friend.The Department of Social Services was notified of the couple’s situation on Sunday after an anonymous neighbor reported being concerned about the welfare of the children, police said.DSS planned to send a caseworker to speak with the couple on Tuesday. However, the parents were arrested early Monday morning.