It is unlawful for any person to knowingly discharge, or cause to be discharged, any electrical stun gun, tear gas weapon, mace, tear gas, pepper mace or any similar deleterious agent against another person knowing the other person to be a peace officer, corrections officer, probation or parole officer, firefighter, or an emergency medical technician or paramedic who is acting in the course of official duty. Any person violating the provisions of this section, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for a term of not exceeding ten (10) years, or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not exceeding one (1) year.