NILES — A Niles man who attacked his girlfriend’s son with a shovel was sentenced to probation and jail Monday in Berrien County Trial Court.

Christopher Lee Jarvis, 47, of Fort Street in Niles, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to two years’ probation, 150 days in jail with credit for 58 days already served, 90 days alcohol monitoring tether and $1,198 in fines and costs.

He also pleaded guilty to refusing to have a DNA sample taken and was sentenced to a concurrent 150 days in jail with credit for 58 days served and $50 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred July 28 at a residence on Fort Street in Niles Township when he assaulted his girlfriend’s son with a shovel handle.

“You really are kind of a jerk when you drink alcohol,” said Berrien County Trial Judge Charles LaSata. “This is the modus operandi for you. You have prior convictions for operating with a high blood alcohol level, resisting and obstructing police and multiple probation violations.”

Judge LaSata noted that Jarvis cursed and threatened police when they went to arrest him in this incident.

“If you keep up with this behavior, you may end up in prison in the future,” he said.

Defense attorney Scott Sanford said Jarvis does not recall everything that happened that day due to his intoxication.

“This has been a real eye opener for him. He was surprised by his blood alcohol content level,” he said. “He hadn’t spent a significant time in jail before.”

In court, Jarvis apologized for his statements to police.

“I’d like to make an apology to the Michigan State Police for the things I said to them. Some things I remember, some I don’t,” he said. “I sincerely apologize.

“This has really been an eye opener,” he added. “If I could get out today, I will get into AA, get a haircut and get a job. I want to get on with my life.”

Also in court Monday, Brian Thomas Streeter, 31, of S.17th Street in Niles, pleaded guilty to retaining a financial transaction device without consent and was sentenced to 120 days in jail with credit for 36 days already served, $258 in fines and costs and $660 in restitution.

He was also sentenced to a concurrent 93 days in jail for failing to appear for his sentencing earlier this month.

The incident occurred May 20 at a residence on S. 17th Street in Niles Township when he stole items from his former roommate.

Defense attorney Scott Sanford noted that Streeter is facing a probation violation charge in Indiana from a forgery conviction and could be sentenced to prison there.

Streeter apologized for his actions.

“I would like to apologize for my actions. I’m a productive member of society when I’m not on drugs,” he said. “I’ve been having issues with PTSD since I left the military.”

Judge LaSata was skeptical of Streeter’s issues being related to his military service.

“You’ve been smoking marijuana since you were 15. I think your problems are more related to that than your service,” he said.