La Crosse man charged after hitting officer in face

A man believed to be under the influence of drugs now faces several charges after hitting a La Crosse police officer in the face.

A La Crosse County dispatcher said she was walking into work shortly before 5 a.m. Saturday, when a man approached him, asking for a ride to Walgreens.

She refused, but the 26-year-old, who turned out to be Alexander Mitchell, followed her to the door of the building, continuing to ask.

The dispatcher said she feared for her safety.

Police eventually found Mitchell on Main Street.

An officer asked him several questions, which he never responded to and, at one point, he started walking away.

When the officer tried to talk with him, Mitchell hit the officer in the face.

Mitchell was taken to Gundersen Health System for observation, and later said he couldn’t remember the incident.

Mitchell is charged with disorderly conduct, battery to a law enforcement officer, and felony bail jumping.