(Michigan City, IN) - Charges have been filed in connection with a Michigan City Police officer being punched in the face during a foot chase of the suspect.

 

Marcus Butler, 37, is charged with level 6 felony battery to a law enforcement officer and two misdemeanor counts.

 

According to court documents, the Michigan City man ran from officers responding to a report of a burglary in progress in the 200 block of Thurman Avenue on September 6.

 

Police said Butler wound up in the fenced-in backyard of a home on DuPage Street, where he tripped over a child.

 

According to court documents, officers tried to arrest the man during a struggle when he struck one of the officers in the face with a partially closed hand. Eventually, he was placed in handcuffs.

 

Police said Butler, complaining of back pain and bleeding from his head, was taken to Franciscan Health, where he yelled cuss words at staff members and refused to identify himself correctly.

 

The officer hit in the face was not injured, police said.