FLORENCE — A Florence man arrested on a domestic violence charge Tuesday morning is now being held in jail after reportedly assaulting a police officer, police said.

Donnie Alvin Leopard, 24, 1224 Reeder St., is charged with second-degree assault of a police officer, authorities said Tuesday.

Reports indicate Leopard was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.

"After they had him in custody, he started complaining about shortness of breath," Florence police detective Kevin Jackson said. "An ambulance was called, and he was taken to the hospital."

Jackson said officer Danny Hines followed the ambulance to Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital and was inside the facility's emergency department as nurses and doctors tended to Leopard.

"At some point, he become unruly and pulled his IV out of his arm," Jackson said.

He added Hines tried to get Leopard to calm down and ultimately tried to handcuff him.

"When (Hines) tried to put the handcuffs on, (Leopard) punched Danny in the face," Jackson said. "Then he started trying to scratch Danny's eyes out."

Hines later was able to bring Leopard under control.

"(Leopard) was taken from the hospital to the detention center and booked, while Danny stayed at the hospital to be checked out," Jackson said.

Officials said Hines' injuries do not appear to be serious.

Second-degree assault of a police officer is a Class C felony and punishable by 1-10 years in prison, if convicted.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.