A Jefferson police officer was forced to use his Taser on a homeless man after repeated calls to a residence about a domestic issue Wednesday. The department was first called to the 100 block of South Maple Street at about 3:23 a.m. when the resident reported a man was pounding on the windows and yelling about his daughter. At that time, the officer advised 44-year-old James Leon Cunningham leave the property. He complied, but returned at approximately 1:57 p.m. and began pounding on the windows and doors while screaming profanities. Cunningham came and went several times while officers were still on the property, the final time making threatening gestures and verbal threats to harm officers as they approached. Cunningham was Tased as he continued to ignore all commands and close in on the officers. A short struggle ensued before he was taken into custody. Police also later learned that the female resident’s tire had been cut and Cunningham’s knife was matched to the puncture hole. He has been charged with assault on persons in certain occupations, a serious misdemeanor, second-offense possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, an aggravated misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct, trespassing, interference with official acts and fifth-degree criminal mischief, all simple misdemeanors.
