A Jefferson police officer was forced to use his Taser in an altercation that took place at approximately 8:13 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4. The officer was performing routine patrol duties when he spotted 25-year-old Nicholas Balderas of Jefferson at the intersection of North Vine and West Washington Streets. The officer stopped to speak with Balderas after he raised a middle finger at the patrol car as it drove past. Balderas became disorderly and disobeyed the officer’s commands. He was being placed under arrest, when he pushed the officer off of him and began to flee. The officer caught up to Balderas and assisted him to the ground in an attempt to detain him, but again, he was able to free himself and fled. Balderas ignored several commands to stop resisting before the officer deployed his Taser and was able to detain him. Further investigation revealed alcohol that was stolen from HyVee, for where Balderas had been issued a no trespassing order in the past. Balderas was then charged with theft in the fifth degree, disorderly conduct, interference with official acts and trespassing, all simple misdemeanors, as well as public intoxication, third or subsequent offense, an aggravated misdemeanor.
