According to court documents, Christopher Eckstein, 38, of Branson, has been charged with three counts of third-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and one misdemeanor count of resisting or interfering with arrest.
A probable cause statement filed by the Branson Police Department says officers made contact with Eckstein on October 18. During the encounter, Eckstein allegedly told officers he was “Lucifer” and repeatedly advanced toward them despite commands to stop.
Police say one officer backed away to create distance and warned Eckstein he would be sprayed with OC spray if he continued approaching. Authorities allege Eckstein then threatened an officer, saying, “You go now, or I hurt you,” while clenching his fist.
The probable cause statement further alleges Eckstein turned his attention to a second officer, chasing her down a stairway while yelling and clenching his fists. A third officer then attempted to take Eckstein to the ground.
Investigators say Eckstein resisted arrest and struggled with officers until a Taser was deployed and he was taken into custody.
All three officers reportedly suffered injuries during the incident.
Eckstein is currently being held in the Taney County Jail without bond. The charges are allegations, and Eckstein is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
