A Starkville man is behind bars and accused of hitting a Starkville police officer on Thursday night.
The Starkville Police Department said in a press release Friday that officers responded to a disturbance call at a residence on South Montgomery Street around 8:15 p.m Thursday evening. Officers then arrested 35-year-old Elija Jones for misdemeanor disorderly conduct. During the arrest, an SPD officer was physically struck.
SPD Public Information Officer Brandon Lovelady said the officer did not seek medical treatment after the altercation.
Jones was subsequently charged with simple assault on a police officer.
Jones had an initial appearance in Starkville Municipal Court on Friday. As of Friday afternoon, he was still in the Oktibbeha County Jail with bond set at $5,594.25.
If convicted on the felony simple assault charge, Jones could face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to five years in prison.