Detective Pickering arrested Parsons for assault and attempted to handcuff him, but Parsons resisted and punched the detective at least three times. A scuffle ensued until two civilians stopped and helped Detective Pickering handcuff and restrain Parsons. A jury trial was conducted and following the presentation of the State's evidence, Parsons moved to acquit on the charge of assault on a police officer. At the conclusion of all the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts. Parsons makes numerous arguments that call into question the precise meaning of that statutory phrase.
Statutory interpretation is a matter of law.
In evaluating whether there is sufficient evidence to convict, we review the evidence as a whole, including any defense witnesses and rebuttal witnesses, to determine if the trial court erred. In the present case, there is sufficient evidence to support the conviction. Detective Pickering had reason to believe there was a possible operating under the influence violation and his detention of Parsons pending investigation was a proper means of handling that potential violation. Parsons was also sentenced to a term of 30 days for simple assault and for a term of 5 days on the OUI conviction. A. He intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to a law enforcement officer while the officer is in the performance of his official duties . . . .