Man accused of punching officer in the eye

A man was arrested Sunday morning after being accused of punching a local police officer in the eye.

Derekus Michael Parker, 23, of Cape Girardeau was charged Monday with assault of a law-enforcement officer and resisting arrest, both which are felonies.

About 11 a.m. Sunday, officers Paul Zajicek and Shane Bourbon saw Parker walking down the center of the road in the 300 block of Frederick Street, according to a probable-cause statement by Zajicek.

Bourbon saw Parker spit on a Ford truck behind him, Zajicek wrote. Bourbon told Parker to stop, but Parker continued, Zajicek wrote.

Bourbon told Parker to stop again, then grabbed Parker's left arm,

Zajicek wrote.

At that point, Parker swung his right arm in an attempt to hit Bourbon, but Bourbon deflected the punch, Zajicek wrote.

Parker swung his left arm, hitting Bourbon on the right eye, Zajicek wrote.

Bourbon fell to the ground, hitting his left hand on the ground. Bourbon then used his Taser with no effect as he regained footing,

and Parker fled, Zajicek wrote.

Parker was taken into custody soon after the incident.

Bourbon was taken to the Saint Francis Medical Center emergency room, where he received treatment on his right eye and left hand, Zajicek wrote.

Bourbon will be placed on light police duty, Zajicek wrote.

bkleine@semissourian.com

573-388-3644

Pertinent address: 300 block of Frederick Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.