BELLINGHAM - A Bellingham man who allegedly spit at and tried to head butt and bite officers while they arrested him was booked into Whatcom County Jail early Wednesday, Sept. 5, for investigation of third-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

Eric Lee Ballwebber, 27, threw a chair while yelling at and arguing with his girlfriend in an apartment in the 1800 block of Texas Street late Tuesday night, said Bellingham Police spokesman Mark Young.

Responding officers found Ballwebber walking around the parking lot in front of the apartment, inviting other people to fight, Young said.

While being handcuffed, Ballwebber tried to hit the first officer with his head, and tried to bite the other officer's hand, which was on his shoulder, Young said. Later, while sitting in the patrol car, he spat in the face of one of the officers who tried to talk to him, Young said.

Alcohol was likely involved, Young said.

Reach SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL at samantha.wohlfeil@bellinghamherald.com or 360-715-2264.