Any type of assault charge that a person faces in Colorado will be a difficult case to address for the defendant. Alleged violent crimes always are. However, when the alleged victim in such a case is a police officer, the defendant involved should expect to see a vigorous effort from law enforcement officials and the prosecution.
Such will likely be the case in the aftermath of a recent incident that occurred in the nearby community of Nederland. According to reports, a 32-year-old man was arrested after an alleged encounter with a police officer at a public library.
The reports indicate that the suspect, who was reportedly “loitering” near the library, was confronted by a police officer in the mid-afternoon hours on December 1. When the suspect saw the police officer he reportedly began to walk toward the officer, who then instructed the suspect to stop. The suspect then allegedly ran away from the police officer and into the nearby public library. The police officer gave chase and, inside the library, attempted to detain the suspect. That was when the suspect allegedly began to fight with the police officer, reportedly striking the officer in the head. The suspect was eventually apprehended when the police officer used a stun gun to subdue him.
Now, the suspect is likely to face at least four separate criminal charges, according to the reports regarding the basis for the arrest. Among the recommended charges is a charge of second-degree assault on a peace officer. As the suspect begins to take the necessary steps at the beginning of this case, he will need to consider his criminal defense options.