CLAYPOOL — A Claypool man was arrested after he bit an officer who was responding to help him.

William Vining

William Lewis Vining, 35, 504 E Fort Wayne St., Warsaw, is being charged with battery with bodily injury to a law enforcement officer, a level 5 felony; possession of methamphetamine with enhancing circumstances, a level 6 felony; resisting law enforcement, a level 6 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

On Feb. 17, officers with the Warsaw Police Department responded to a call about an unconscious subject. When officers arrived, they observed a male subject, Vining, lying face down in the yard unconscious. Officers woke Vining up and he appeared very unsteady, disoriented and possibly intoxicated.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Vining attempted to walk away but was unable to due to his condition. Officers determined that he would need medical attention. Vining kept placing his right hand into his jacket pocket and refused to comply with officer’s demands to remove his hands from the pocket.

At this point, Vining began to resist the officers. During a struggle, Vining bit an officer on the left forearm, breaking the skin and causing pain. Officers then searched Vining’s person and found a prescription bottle that contained plastic baggies of methamphetamine and a glass smoking device.

Medics arrived to treat Vining, but he continued to resist all assistance. He was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital for further treatment. His mother advised that Vining had hepatitis.

Vining was previously convicted of dealing methamphetamine on Jan. 19, 2016. He was booked into Kosciusko County Jail on Feb. 19 with a $10,250 surety and cash bond.