Man accused of biting officer

    FORSYTH — A Branson man accused of kicking a door off its frame at an apartment complex and biting a police officer has been bound over to circuit court and pleaded not guilty.

    Christopher Anthony Parenti, 29, is charged with recklessly  risking the infection of another person with HIV — a class B felony — first-degree property damage and two misdemeanors.

    The charges against Parenti stem from a June 13 incident at Branson Park Apartments.

    The probable cause statement filed in the case alleges Parenti bit a Branson police sergeant on his arm after he had previously admitted to being infected with HIV and Hepatitis C.

    According to the statement, the officer was preparing to transfer Parenti to Skaggs Regional Medical Center for an evaluation at the time. The statement said the bite did not break the skin, “but did leave marks.”

    Parenti had been taken into custody earlier that evening when police responded to a disturbance at the apartment complex.

    Parenti’s male roommate told police Parenti “had kicked a door off the hinges causing it to hit him in the face,” according to the report. Parenti also allegedly attempted to restrain the roommate when he tried to leave the apartment to call 911.

    According to the report, police found Parenti on a bed, with his hands concealed. When asked to move his arms, he reportedly said, “I don’t have a right arm.”

    The statement said police utilized a Taser “in an attempt to gain compliance” and were then able to take him into custody.

    The walls of the apartment were also damaged during the alleged assault. The manager of Branson Park Apartments estimated the damages at $1,500, according to the report.

    Parenti was bound over to circuit court Jan. 24, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him Feb. 2.

    According to online court records, his next hearing is set for March 8.