FAIRMONT — A Fairmont man is facing multiple felony charges in Martin County.

Benjamin Edward Isenberg, 41, has been charged with drug possession in the second degree, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

He also has been charged with drug possession in the third degree, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine.

Isenberg also has been charged with assault in the first degree, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

Finally, he faces a charge of obstruction of a legal process, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to the complaint:

On Sept. 3, a Fairmont police officer observed a motor vehicle parked on the street in front of a residence in the 500 block of Winnebago Avenue, where drug activity was suspected.

The officer determined the motor vehicle was registered to Isenberg. The officer was familiar with Isenberg and knew he had been involved with controlled substances.

The officer maintained surveillance on the vehicle and watched as it traveled to Isenberg’s residence.

Another vehicle arrived at Isenberg’s residence and the officer recognized it as belonging to an individual the officer had previously arrested for possession of meth.

The officer continued to maintain surveillance as Isenberg and the individual talked and the individual left.

The officer again followed the vehicle as it returned to the residence in the 500 block of Winnebago Avenue. The officer knew from prior drug sales cases and training that it is common for individuals to be fronted drugs that they then deliver to a third party. The third party receives the drugs and makes the payment, and the original party then delivers cash back to the dealer. This is what they officer suspected had occurred.

The officer followed the vehicle and made contact with Isenberg. In talking with Isenberg, the officer observed he appeared to be agitated and kept moving around. The officer explained the drug activity he had observed.

Isenberg became upset and denied he delivered anything. The officer explained that Isenberg was not under arrest but was being detained. When asked if he would consent to the officer’s K-9 going around the vehicle, Isenberg quickly started to get back in his vehicle.

The officer grabbed Isenberg’s arm and radioed for assistance, stating to Isenberg that he was under arrest. A struggle ensued and Isenberg got the vehicle into drive and jammed the accelerator. The officer was able to move back and avoid being struck by the vehicle.

The officer ducked out of the way and heard the vehicle smash into what he believed to be a gas pump. The officer then circled back around and drew his service weapon, pointing it at Isenberg. Isenberg refused to exit the vehicle and was belligerent.

Other officers arrived, placing squad vehicles in front of Isenberg’s vehicle. Isenberg again jammed the accelerator and it appeared he was attempting to drive into the other officers. The vehicle was revving at high RPMs but was not moving forward, and officers were finally able to pull Isenberg from the vehicle.

Isenberg’s vehicle was transported to impound and a search warrant was obtained. In executing the warrant, officers discovered two meth pipes, two plastic baggies containing marijuana, a digital scale, meth and other drug paraphernalia.