Missouri man arrested for assaulting Fairfield officer

FAIRFIELD – A Missouri man has been charged with assaulting a Fairfield Police officer.

Ryan Alan Kerfoot, 23, of Kahoka, Missouri, was arrested on Oct. 18, 2025 after officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 800 block of North 10th St. According to a news release from the Fairfield Police Department, Kerfoot was at the scene with facial injuries, but was uncooperative with the responding officers.

After observing that Kerfoot possessed a firearm and because of his lack of cooperation, police officers and a Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to detain Kerfoot. During the attempt, Kerfoot allegedly elbowed one of the officers in the face. The officers were able to take Kerfoot into custody, while he allegedly threatened to kill the officers on scene.

Kerfoot was charged with interference with official acts, possession of a dangerous weapon under the influence, public intoxication, assault on persons in certain occupations causing bodily injury, three counts of first degree harassment and going armed with intent.

Kerfoot was transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility where he was later released after posting bond.

Fairfield Police Chief David Thomas told The Union that, under Iowa law, people do not have to disclose to police officers that they have a firearm. He said that Kerfoot was detained not just because he was armed but because of his behavior at the time.

“They were detaining him for his safety and their safety,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the officer who suffered the elbow to the face went to the emergency room just to “be on the safe side,” and luckily the injury was not serious.

“He had some scrapes and scratches,” Thomas said of the officer.

Thomas estimated that his officers are assaulted a couple of times per month, and that he’s observed an increase in such incidents in recent years.

“It seems like one person does it and then another one does it, and then it becomes acceptable to assault folks who are trying to help you,” he said, adding that alcohol and drugs contribute to more violent behavior toward police.

Thomas said he appreciated the help from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, and Jefferson County Ambulance for this case.

A criminal charge is an accusation, and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com