By Jacob Mathias

A Stevens Point man faces felony charges and multiple misdemeanors after allegedly resisting and attacking a police officer.

Justin Coyle, 24, is charged with battery to a law enforcement officer, a felony which carries a maximum sentence of up to a $10,000 fine, or six years imprisonment or both. As Coyle was found guilty of a felony in 2013, his sentence could be increased by up to another four years imprisonment if convicted. He is also charged with misdemeanor resisting an officer, bail jumping and disorderly conduct.

Coyle made his initial appearance in Portage County Circuit Court on April 25.

According to court documents, on April 14 at about 10 PM Stevens Point Police officers were dispatched to a home on the 2800 block of Soo Marie Avenue in response to a domestic disturbance. When officers arrived, they spoke with a woman who reported that Coyle had been verbally abusive to her throughout the day.

Later in the evening of the same day, the woman entered the bedroom of the house where Coyle was sleeping. She said her entrance woke the pet guinea pig which made noise and woke Coyle. Coyle then allegedly began yelling, grabbed the woman by the throat and saying, “I should just kill you.” Red marks were observed on the woman’s neck.

Police spoke with a 13-year-old boy in the house who didn’t see the actions but confirmed Coyle’s words.

When officers told Coyle he would be arrested, he swore at the officers and jerked his body away, struggling to get free as officers attempted to cuff him. When he got one arm free, Coyle allegedly deliberately swung his arm backward, striking the officer in the face, causing pain and injuring his lip.

Another officer used their taser on Coyle which was ineffective. Pepper spray was then deployed but Coyle continued to struggle. After threatening to use the Taser again, officers were able to place the defendant in handcuffs.

Coyle reportedly continued to be tense and resistant while being transported to the squad car and was verbally abusive throughout the contact.

He returns to court on May 9 at 3:00 PM for a preliminary hearing.