Police arrest man accused of assaulting officers in Centralia

Centralia Police Chief Larry Dudgeon confirmed a man was taken into custody after allegedly assaulting two police officers Saturday afternoon.

Dudgeon said officers were called to the First Baptist Church on Collier Street around 3:40 p.m. for reports of a man who was refusing to leave the church sanctuary

The man, Jonathan Griffin, reportedly would not cooperate with officers. Dudgeon said Griffin had a baseball bat and hammer in his hands.

An altercation between the officers and Griffin took place, according to Dudegon. Dudgeon said the officers used pepper spray and a taser on Griffin, but he was still able to escape arrest.

He was taken into custody about 20 minutes later, said Dudgeon.

It’s unclear if Griffin used the baseball bat and hammer on the officers during the struggle. He’s now facing charges of assault on a law enforcement officer, trespassing and resisting arrest.

Dudgeon said the officers did not go to the hospital. He said they are recovering and are expected to be back to work soon.

Hallsville police and Boone County deputies assisted.