BOULDER, Colo. – The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office upgraded the charges this week against a man who brutally assaulted a Boulder Police officer last week.
Just after 5 p.m. on Feb. 9, officers were called to an apartment complex in the 1800 block of 22nd Street for a report of an adult male threatening another man and possibly possessing a gun. The first officer arrived on scene and began speaking with the suspect. The suspect then began to walk away and refused to listen to the officer’s commands.
When the officer tried to stop the suspect, he began to fight with the officer, who called for backup. During the struggle, the pair fell to the ground and the officer was knocked unconscious after his head hit a rock. The suspect landed on top of the officer and proceeded to twice punch him in the head. The officer fought back and the suspect then began choking the officer. After dispatchers were unable to reach the officer on his radio, they quickly sent additional officers who arrived, tased the suspect and took him into custody. The officer, who has been a police officer for almost eight years, was transported to the hospital for treatment and is now recovering at home for a torn ACL, bruises and a concussion.
“Crimes like this show exactly how quickly and unpredictably calls for service can evolve and highlights the risks our officers face each day while keeping our community safe,” Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said. “I am thankful that our officer will be okay and so grateful to his fellow officers and dispatchers who immediately recognized his need for help. Without their swift response, immediate apprehension of the suspect, and quick call for medical aid for our downed officer, this incident could have been so much worse. I am grateful to all who responded.”
The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office upgraded the charges against the suspect, Justin Lyle Radley-Sharpe (date of birth 1/13/1990), to:
• two counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder in the First Degree (F2),
• two counts of Crime of Violence (SE),
• First Degree Assault (F3),
• three counts of Second Degree Assault (F4),
• Menacing (M1), Harassment (M2),
• Obstructing a Peace Officer (M2) and
• Resisting Arrest (M2).
District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated, “I want to recognize the Boulder Police Department for their quick and courageous response to this call of threats and a possible gun. It became an incredibly serious attack on a police officer. I commend the other officers who quickly came to his aid and kept this incident from ending even worse. For the victim and his family, I am relieved to know that he is recovering and receiving a lot of support. Acts of violence against law enforcement are unacceptable. This incident illustrates the possible dangers that they face every day. We will prosecute this attempted murder case to the full extent and ensure that this defendant is held responsible for his actions.”
As in every criminal case, these charges are an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
--CITY--
