A Dowagiac man will spend the next several months in Cass County Jail after attacking several police officers attempting to arrest him for attacking his girlfriend’s mother.

Cass County Circuit Judge Michael Dodge sentenced 24-year-old John Henry Coons to 300 days in jail and two years of probation Friday morning during his appearance in Cass County court.

Coons was facing charges of assaulting a police officer causing injury, resisting arrest, assault and battery and malicious destruction of property. Coons pleaded guilty to all four charges during a prior appearance in the Cassopolis courthouse on Aug. 31.

According to the judge, Coons’ attack took place on Aug. 2, at a residence on Blue Bird Street in Dowagiac. The defendant had been asked to leave the home that day while drinking with his girlfriend. He later returned to house, intoxicated, and attacked his girlfriend’s mother, Kristen Worrell.

“After the attack on Ms. Worrell, you flew into a rage and you tore her residence apart,” Dodge said.

The judge pointed out that the victim has requested more than $4,000 worth of restitution for the property damage.

When police arrived at the home to respond to the attack, Coons resisted their attempts to arrest him, fighting with all four officers. In the midst of the struggle, the Dowagiac man kicked one of the officers, deputy Michael Fall, in the groin; the officer would later have to receive treatment from the hospital for the injury, the judge said.

“Officer Fall, as the court may or may not know, is a very large officer,” said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Frank Machnik. “For him to be struck in such a way, and hurt in a such a way, speaks to the danger [Coons] represents.”

While Coons has an extensive juvenile record, these offenses were his first contact with the adult system — though, given the nature of the offenses, the judge remarked that Coons “arrived here with a vengeance.”

The assistant prosecutor, while noting a prison sentence would also be appropriate punishment, said that a probation sentence could give the defendant the court supervision he needs to sort out any anger management or alcohol abuse problems that led to the attack.

Coons’ attorney, Gregory Feldman, echoed similar sentiments, saying probation would allow his client to get the help he needs to avoid similar issues in the future.

The judge decided to give the defendant a probation sentence, though he warned him about the dangers of further criminal behavior.

“You’re perilously close to going to prison,” Dodge said. “I’m sure if you continue to drink, that’s what your future holds for you. You simply cannot drink. Look what happens you do — you get totally out of control.”

Coons was given credit for 62 days already served.

Also sentenced Friday:

• Parnell Jenkins, 27, of Chicago, to one year in jail for possession of contraband as a prisoner.

• Kris Jordan Scantlen, 23, of Elkhart, to a minimum of 36 months to a maximum of 15 years in prison for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and attempted armed robbery.

• Kevin Russell Mears, 41, of Mishawaka, to 180 days in jail and two years of probation for fleeing from police and operating while intoxicated.

• Michael Zach Strong, 20, of Elkhart, to minimum term of five years to a maximum of 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and carrying a concealed weapon.