Man accused of punching Perryville officer

Perryville, Missouri, officers reportedly were arresting a man Thursday when the suspect ended up with a felony charge after punching one of the officers.

Jason Eauing Gifford, 31, of Perryville was arrested about 12:20 a.m. Thursday at Shelby and Chloe streets in Perryville on suspicion of domestic assault.

Officer Jon-Erik Bradford was holding Gifford, and officer Pete Unverferth began to place Gifford in handcuffs, Unverferth wrote in a probable-cause statement. Gifford's left hand was cuffed, but he refused to place his other hand behind his back and ignored commands, Unverferth wrote.

Unverferth tried to take Gifford to the ground, and Gifford turned around and tried to pull away, Unverferth wrote.

Gifford landed punches into the left side of Unverferth's body and neck even while the officer was taking him to the asphalt, according to the statement.

Gifford kept punching after more commands from officers to turn on his stomach and place his hands behind his back, which prompted Unverferth to punch Gifford in the left side below his arm pit, Unverferth wrote.

After several more commands, Gifford rolled onto his stomach and was cuffed.

Gifford is charged with felony assault on a law-enforcement officer and misdemeanor resisting arrest. As of Friday afternoon, Gifford had not been charged with domestic assault.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

Shelby Street and Chloe Street, Perryville, Mo.