photo by: Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Michael Andrew Smith

A Lawrence man was found guilty Wednesday in Douglas County District Court of recklessly fleeing from police and battering an officer.

The defendant, Michael Andrew Smith, 40, as part of a deal with the District Attorney’s Office, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery of an officer and to felony flee and elude.

The charges stem from an incident on May 6 when officers attempted to stop Smith on suspicion of criminal activity and he resisted. Eventually he stopped and fled on foot, according to Assistant District Attorney Samantha Foster; during that chase he pulled an officer to the ground and injured his ribs.

Smith was originally charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, misdemeanor theft from Best Buy and misdemeanor interference with law enforcement.

Judge Stacey Donovan scheduled Smith’s sentencing for Oct. 2.

Two months ago, Smith was convicted in Douglas County of felony criminal damage to property and was given a sentence of 12 months, which was suspended to probation.

According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, Smith has a criminal history in the state going back to 2007, including multiple convictions for burglary, theft and illegal drugs.