A Richmond man has been charged with multiple counts of a felony for allegedly assaulting law enforcement recently in Ray County.
A probable-cause statement says Richmond Police officers responded to a report of a verbal disturbance at a residence in the 500 block of South Shotwell Street on June 6. The victim reported to authorities that 27-year-old Donald Rhodelander was intoxicated and trespassing on the property.
Upon arrival, officers contacted Rhodelander who was noticed to be slurring his speech and had a strong odor of intoxicant emanating from his person. Officers began to apprehend Rhodelander who started to resist by attempting to “head butt” and kick at the officers. Rhodelander reportedly did not listen to the officer’s commands to stop, where the officers eventually had to use pepper spray to subdue him. Rhodelander alleged struck one of the officers in the upper leg area with his knee several times during the altercation.
Online court say Rhodelander has been charged with three counts of a Class D Felony for Assault in the Third Degree-Special Victim and misdemeanors for resisting arrest, assault and trespassing. Bond has been set at $25,000 cash or surety.
Rhodelander’s initial hearing at Ray County Circuit Court is pending.