A Kent State student faces three fourth-degree felony assault charges after she allegedly attempted to harm three Kent State police officers on the university esplanade near South Lincoln Street.

A Portage County grand jury returned the indictments of Natalia R. Welton-Torres, 21, a senior aeronautics major, who allegedly pushed and punched Officer Joseph Knotek twice in the arm and shoulder and attempted to strike his face. She also spit in the face and neck area of Officer Brittnee Wolf, bit her forehead above her left eyebrow, which caused swelling and a red mark. Welton-Torres also allegedly kicked Officer Trevor White in the chest twice.

The incident happened just before 4 a.m. September 9, according to the Kent State police.

A $500 cash bond was posted by a family member for Welton-Torres’ release. The court also ordered her to undergo a substance abuse assessment within 24 hours of her initial release. 

Welton-Torres will be arraigned on the charges October 9 in the Portage County Common Pleas Court. The case is assigned to Judge Laurie Pittman.

Welton-Torres and her attorney, William Settina, were both contacted but did not respond to requests for comment.

Chris Ramos is a general assignment reporter. Contact him at [email protected]