Boulder officer knocked unconscious in attack; suspect charged with attempted murder

A Boulder man faces attempted murder charges after knocking a police officer unconscious and choking him during a struggle on Feb. 9. The officer is recovering at home.

Boulder officer knocked unconscious in attack; suspect charged with attempted murder

Boulder man faces attempted murder charge after brutal attack on police officer

A Boulder County man has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder after he knocked a police officer unconscious and choked him during a struggle outside an apartment complex, bouldercolorado.gov reported.

The incident occurred just after 5 p.m. on February 9, when officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of 22nd Street following a report of a man threatening another person and possibly carrying a gun. When the first officer arrived and attempted to speak with the suspect, the man walked away and refused to comply with commands.

As the officer moved to stop him, a physical fight broke out. The two fell to the ground, and the officer's head struck a rock, rendering him unconscious. The suspect, now on top of the officer, punched him twice in the head before beginning to choke him.

Dispatchers, unable to raise the officer on his radio, immediately sent backup. Arriving officers tased the suspect and took him into custody. The officer — who has served on the force for nearly eight years — was transported to hospital and is now recovering at home with a torn ACL, bruises, and a concussion.

Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn credited dispatchers and fellow officers with preventing a worse outcome. "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," Redfearn said. "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."

The Boulder County District Attorney's Office subsequently upgraded the charges against the suspect, identified as Justin Lyle Radley-Sharpe, born January 13, 1990. He now faces:

District Attorney Michael Dougherty said the office would pursue the case to the full extent of the law. "Acts of violence against law enforcement are unacceptable," Dougherty stated. "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."

Dougherty also commended the officers who responded quickly to assist their colleague, saying the situation could have ended far worse without their intervention.

As with all criminal cases, the charges constitute an accusation. Radley-Sharpe is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)