Boulder Police Arrest Woman After Assault and Menacing

The Boulder Police Department arrested a woman last night on multiple charges related to an incident in a North Boulder business.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, officers were called to Lucky’s Market at 3960 Broadway for a report of a woman trespassing and refusing to leave. When officers arrived, they were told the woman was acting erratically, speaking nonsensically, and that she had mud on her face. The officers spoke with the woman for several minutes trying to get her to leave the store when she suddenly pulled out a knife and stabbed a male officer in the shoulder. As he backed away, the woman began advancing on the female officer before lunging at her with the knife.

Additional officers arrived on scene and attempted more de-escalation with the woman before ultimately firing less lethal sponge rounds. Officers were then able to safely take her into custody.

The woman has been identified as Patricia Murphy, 61, of Boulder. She was taken to the hospital to be checked out before being transported to jail. She is currently facing charges of:

• Two felony counts of 1st degree assault,
• Two counts of felony menacing,
• One count of misdemeanor trespassing, and
• One misdemeanor count of Obstruction/Resisting arrest

This is an open investigation, and additional charges may be added as the case progresses.

Boulder Police ask anyone who witnessed any part of this incident or has information relevant to the investigation to please contact Detective Tuck at TuckA@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-4322 reference case 24-04131.

“I’m very thankful that our officer’s injuries were not more serious and also thankful to the team that negotiated with the suspect to get her in custody without any further injuries to anyone,” interim Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said.

As in every criminal case, these charges are an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.