A Springfield officer was trying to detain Gatewood for questioning in a vehicular assault that happened Tuesday in the city.
Moore attacked the officer while he was trying to put handcuffs on the other man.
A physical altercation between the men and the officer ensued, police said, and at one point the men tried to draw a gun on the officer, but it fell to the ground.
The officer released his grip from Gatewood to go after the gun, said Capt. Lee Graf.
“The officer used good judgment and composure – there were a lot of points where that situation could have gone wrong,” Graf said.
Both men fled on foot from the officer and are now wanted on warrants.
Springfield police say anyone with information on their whereabouts can call them at 937-324-7685.