The two-day trial began Monday in Leavenworth County District Court. The jury returned its verdict on Tuesday.

Just after midnight on Sept. 28, 2024, a Tonganoxie police officer observed a vehicle stopped at the intersection of Fifth and Church streets in downtown Tonganoxie. The vehicle eventually turned without signaling, prompting the officer to initiate a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as Dickerson, provided inconsistent answers to the officer’s questions. Dickerson also provided a false name and exhibited signs of impairment, including slurred speech and the odor of alcohol.

Dickerson ultimately refused to take a breath test.

While being escorted to a patrol vehicle, Dickerson attempted to pull away from officers. After regaining control of him, officers placed him on the ground, where he rolled to his side and began kicking an officer, striking the officer in the chest and legs. The assault caused several lacerations and scrapes.

“We’re pleased with the jury’s verdict in this case,” Thompson said. “Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve to be treated with respect, not violence.”

Sentencing is scheduled for May 23, 2025.