A Sardis man received a 15-year prison sentence Tuesday in Dallas County Circuit Court for assaulting a county officer.

Circuit Judge Tommy Jones handed down the sentence to Derrick Dewayne White, 31, of 856 County Road 99 in Sardis. A Dallas County jury convicted White in September.

“We will not tolerate criminals assaulting officers,” said District Attorney Michael Jackson after the sentence was announced. “These officers perform a very dangerous job while serving the public.”

Capt. Dan Olinger of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department attempted to serve a warrant in September 2006 at White’s address when he saw the suspect run out the back door of the house.

At the time, authorities said Olinger chased White into the field behind the house and tackled him, taking White down to the ground. While on the ground, White tried to kick Olinger to free himself as the captain told White several times to put his hands behind his back.

Authorities said an investigator with the sheriff’s office responded to help Olinger get the suspect under control. As they neared the house, White tried to break loose again.

As Olinger attempted to place White in the car, the suspect attempted to leave again, but authorities got him into the car and took him to the Dallas County Jail.