Homeless man jailed after allegedly beating a Peoria cop [Video]

PEORIA (25News Now) – A Peoria Police officer was badly beaten early Friday, allegedly punched in the face by a homeless man who was sleeping in a downtown building.

The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office said in a news release that police were called about 7:45 a.m. to a building in the 400 block of Main Street where a man had been sleeping and refused to leave.

There was also a warrant for Eric Anderson’s arrest, and when he learned about the warrant, Anderson allegedly lunged toward one of the officers and punched him multiple times in the face, according to prosecutors.

Anderson, 33, is charged with aggravated battery to a police officer and is being detained until his trial.

The news release said the officer was covered in blood from a “significant” cut under his right eye, and he had multiple eye fractures.

Peoria County Jail records indicate Anderson is homeless.

Peoria Police spokesperson Semone Roth said …