A Gainesville man is behind bars after being accused of biting a police officer’s nose — causing serious injury and disfigurement — during an arrest Monday.
Kenton Thompson, 31, faces several charges after the incident, which began as a drug-related arrest, Gainesville police said.
Officers who were working a drug investigation encountered Thompson at the Home Town Suites off Jesse Jewell Parkway about 10:30 p.m., Sgt. Kevin Holbrook told AJC.com. He was accused of possessing methamphetamine and synthetic marijuana.
When officers tried to take him into custody, Thompson ran away, prompting a brief chase, Holbrook said. When police caught up to him, a struggle ensued.
During the incident, "Thompson bit the end of the officer's nose, which resulted in serious injury and disfigurement to his face," the department said in a Facebook post. The post included a graphic photo of the injured officer's face.
The injured officer was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Holbrook said.
Thompson was charged with aggravated battery, felony obstruction and two drug-related offenses. He remains in the Hall County jail without bond.
In other news: