JACKSON COUNTY - A Goreville man charged with beating up a De Soto police officer told the judge he had stopped taking medications prescribed for his bipolar disorder because of "money issues."

Justin Perez, 24, was ordered to stand trial for aggravated battery of a police officer after his preliminary hearing at the Jackson County courthouse on Monday.

Judge Charles Grace, while refusing a request to lower Perez' bond, told jail officers an effort should be made to confirm Perez's prescription and get him back on his medication at least while he is in jail.

Perez was with his brother, Jarred Perez, when they were stopped in De Soto on U.S. 51 at about 2:15 a.m. Dec. 4. Officer David Laux was conducting a field sobriety test on Jarred Perez, who was driving, when Justin Perez allegedly got out of the vehicle and attacked Laux.

An Elkville police officer heard a muffled transmission from the scuffle and came to the assistance of the De Soto officer. Justin Perez was arrested at the scene. Jarred Perez fled but turned himself in later.

Jackson County Sheriff's Deputy Duane Seibert, who testified at Perez's preliminary hearing Monday, said Laux "was covered in blood" when he arrived on the scene to assist.

Laux was taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, where he received 14 stitches on his face and seven stitches inside his mouth for the facial injuries Perez allegedly inflicted.

Videotape from Laux's squad car is part of the evidence that will appear in court if the case goes to trial.

Perez has a pre-trial hearing date of Feb. 21, with a jury trial set for March 13.

andrea.hahn@thesouthern.com

(618) 529-5454 ext. 15076