A Batesville man is behind bars on a $150,000 bond after authorities say he broke a police officer’s nose while being booked at the Independence County Jail.
Thomas Lee Nida (pictured below), 20, was arrested by Batesville Police Officer Dustin Vernon for public intoxication on Leonard Street around 10:35 p.m. July 4.
According to court documents, Sgt. Bobby Moser met Vernon and Nida at the jail after the arrest, and as he walked into the booking area, Moser said Nida was agitated as well as “physically and verbally threatening,” telling Vernon at one point: “I’m gonna stab your a** up.”
When Vernon took Nida by his arm, the court record said Nida headbutted the officer. Vernon was able to take Nida to the floor until officers and staff finally controlled him and took Nida to a cell. Vernon was taken to White River Medical Center for treatment.
Thomas Lee Nida is being held at the Independence County Jail on two felony counts: second-degree battery and terroristic threatening, and one misdemeanor count of public intoxication.
Image: Independence County Sheriff’s Department
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