Man arrested in Cedar County for spitting and biting on authorities

STOCKTON, Mo. -- A man was arrested for allegedly biting and spitting at Cedar County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) authorities during an encounter on Saturday, July 19.

According to online court records, Jayson Lee Brightwell is charged with two counts of first-degree assault with serious physical injury or a special victim.

In a Facebook post, CCSO says deputies observed a man identified as Brightwell walking south near State Highway 39 in Stockton, whose head was bleeding and who was recently involved in an altercation.

Deputies saw several minor injuries and some fresh blood on Brightwell, but he repeatedly refused medical help and did not want to file a report. Deputies also noted a slight odor of alcohol, but say Brightwell did not appear intoxicated during their interaction.

When the deputies were about to end the encounter, Brightwell spat in the face of Sergeant Elder, with saliva getting into his eyes and mouth, according to the probable cause statement. Sgt. Elder told Brightwell he was under arrest and went to handcuff him. Brightwell resisted arrest and constantly ignored deputies' demands.

Court records say Brightwell then spat on Deputy Lukenbill's arm while trying to fasten his seatbelt in the patrol car and kept spitting in the cage area of the car. He was eventually placed in a spit mask to avoid further incidents.

At the Cedar County Sheriff's Office, Brightwell continued to defy commands and tried to provoke staff and deputies, which led to him being put in a restraint chair. Brightwell then bit Deputy Lukenbill on his hand while getting into the restraint chair.

Court documents note that Brightwell had tested positive for Hepatitis C and might have other causes for concern regarding bodily fluid transfer.

Brightwell is currently in custody at the Cedar County Jail and is held with no bond. He is set to appear in court on July 30.