i would imagine that driving without a valid license would be a misdemeanor, not an infraction. However, IANAL. Maybe a lawyer could clarify.
In any case, the suspect was not cooperative. If he was anything other than limp, eg holding the steering wheel, then he was resisting arrest, which would be another misdemeanor.
I imagine that the LE POV would be that an uncooperative and resisting suspect could become highly dangerous to the LE at any time, simply by reason of proximity to the LEO’s weapons.
If the LEOs are seeing this type of resistance every day, then they are in danger every day.
Also, it is night time and there i autos traffic, which could also increase danger to the LEOs, the suspect, people in passing vehicles, pedestrians, and thhe general public.
I imagine that all these factors combine to allow the arresting LEO considerable latitude in how he or she makes an arrest and what weapon or weapons he/she chooses to make the arrest with.
This might be behind the constant barrage of responses to the effect that it is better to cooperate with an LEO instead of running, and resisting is an even worse idea.
Generally, I am no fan of LE. However, I try to take the POV of LE before casting aspersions. It is essential to fair to everyone, suspect and LE alike.
“... it is better to cooperate with an LEO instead of running...resisting...”
Absolutely. That’s the difference between, “See about getting that broken windshield fixed this week, OK?” and going to jail for behaving stupidly. Usually, courtesy is responded to in kind.
But not always. The first speeding ticket I ever got (I’ve been driving 53 years and have two) the cop got me doing 35 in a 30 zone. Hoping for a break, I mentioned that it was going to spoil my clean record. His response? “Better yours than mine. Sign here.” That cop was a total jerk.