A Dayton man is behind bars after allegedly fighting deputies with the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department [RCSD] and possessing methamphetamine, according to an arrest report on file at the sheriff’s department.

James Thompson, 26, is facing numerous charges after he was stopped by RCSD Deputy Jesse Wilkey while on routine patrol on Back Valley Road.

Wilkey said that he was driving near the 800 block of Back Valley Road on Monday, Dec. 9, at around 5 p.m. when he saw Thompson and a woman walking in the area.

“As I approached Mr. Thompson, I noticed that Mr. Thompson’s reflexes were very exaggerated, and he appeared highly intoxicated,” As I got close to them, I had to turn my car around, and they both ran through a yard and onto a porch where I made contact.”

Wilkey said that while speaking to Thompson, he noticed that his “nose appeared very dry, and his pupil size was very constricted.”

“Mr. Thompson placed his hands into his pockets despite verbal commands to stop,” Wilkey said. “Myself and deputy David Layne and Zack Ryan attempted to place Mr. Thompson into custody, and during this time, Mr. Thompson stated, ‘Let’s go,’ turned quickly and hit deputy Layne in the face near his mouth and jaw with his fist.” FULL STORY HERE