Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler was punched in the face while trying to arrest a man wanted in connection with a stolen vehicle, police said Thursday.

“I never liked being punched in the face when I was younger. I was quickly reminded again of why I was never too fond of it,” Tyler said.

“I was literally emailing HR earlier today with some preliminary retirement questions. I never imagined I would wind up in a fistfight before the day was out.”

The incident happened during the arrest Wednesday of Justin Heath Terry, 42, of Florence.

Terry was charged with third degree robbery, first degree property theft, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and third degree criminal mischief. He is being held on a $33,500 bond at the Lauderdale County Detention Center.

According to police, officers received a report of a robbery and vehicle theft when they discovered the vehicle, driven by Terry, near headquarters.

Tyler and Officer Robert Oliver attempted to arrest Terry, but the situation ”escalated into a scuffle in the lobby of the Police Department,” according to a news release.

Tyler, hearing a scuffle, rushed to assist Oliver when Terry ran inside the lobby of the police department.

Once inside, Terry allegedly punched Tyler and was taken into custody shortly after. No one was injured. Tyler said his sport coat and shirt were “a little bloody.”

“While my title may be Chief of Police, above all else, I am a police officer. When I see a fellow officer needing help, rest assured, they can count on me jumping in to assist no matter the circumstances,” Tyler said.