A St. Joseph man is accused of throwing a chainsaw at a St. Joseph Police Officer who was trying to arrest him.

Justin Patrick Rivera, 36 is charged in Buchanan County with a misdemeanor for assault on a law enforcement officer.

According to court document on Dec. 24 around 2:30 p.m. Officer Aaron Beene with the St. Joseph Police Department attempted to arrest Rivera for outstanding state warrants in the area of 34th and Jackson streets.

“Justin threw a chainsaw still in the case at officer Beene striking him in the chest,” said Officer Aaron King with the St. Joseph Police Department.

King said Rivera then ran from the scene on foot and refused to stop for officers.

“Justin jumped a fence and officer Beene followed.  Officer Beene struck his left thigh on the fence causing minor injury,” King said. “Officer Beene missed a day of work from striking the fence attempting to arrest Justin.”

Rivera was reported to have had two active state warrants at the time of his arrest.

A court appearance has not yet been scheduled.