A routine response to a neighbor-related dispute in Greene County turned violent over the weekend, resulting in a deputy in the hospital and an Athensville man behind bars.
The deputy responded to the residence of 43-year-old James Tucker, one of the individuals involved in the disturbance, at around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Reports claim Tucker became hostile with the deputy during a conversation, going as far as slamming a door that struck the deputy.
The deputy attempted to place Tucker under arrest, but Tucker resisted and allegedly struck the deputy several times with punches to the face.
According to reports, the deputy grabbed a taser and a struggle then ensued over control of the device. While the two were wrestling on the ground, Tucker allegedly ripped the deputy’s portable radio from the deputy’s belt.
Dispatch heard faint phrases like “officer down” and “officer has been shot”, which prompted officers from Roodhouse, White Hall and Carrollton to his location.
Tucker was later arrested and charged with multiple counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer, resisting and obstructing a peace officer.
The deputy sheriff was taken to Boyd Hospital in Carrollton and is receiving treatment for non life-threatening injuries.
Tucker is being held on $25,000 bond in the Greene County Jail.