Jury convicts man who assaulted officer

TYLER — A Smith County jury has convicted and sentenced a gang member who assaulted an officer, according to information from the district attorney’s office. 35-year-old Anthony Bendy Jr. gets 45 years in prison for manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance with a deadly weapon. Authorities say Bendy was stopped last year for a traffic offense, with officers finding drugs and over $1800 in cash. A fight ensued in which Bendy struck one officer in the face and slammed the other to the ground, causing a concussion and two broken ribs. Authorities say Bendy also unsuccessfully tried to take the injured officer’s weapon and then fled — finally being caught after four days. Bendy had four prior felony convictions.