Being approached by a police officer for questioning can be unnerving for anyone. A person may feel accused simply in an officer’s presence. Unfortunately, some criminal defendants add to their legal troubles by speaking or acting out against authorities.
Police took a woman into custody, who allegedly assaulted someone taking her picture and became aggressive during her arrest. The 27-year-old defendant was standing with several others behind Boulder high school when a person walking nearby apparently noticed the group was smoking marijuana. The walker started snapping pictures.
The defendant allegedly then flew at the picture taker and punched her face. Another woman from the group approached and began arguing with the passerby. The defendant also entered the spat and reportedly struck the victim repeatedly on the back of the head, although not hard enough to cause any serious injury.
The defendant was arrested when Boulder police responded to the report of an assault. The woman accused of hitting was placed in the back of a patrol car and spat on the window in the direction of an officer outside. Officers also said they had to remove the woman from the car for her safety, because she had been banging her head against a monitor.
Outside the vehicle, the woman grabbed an officer’s arm. At that point, police placed a hobbling device and spit sock — a head mask or cover to prevent the transmission of fluids — on the detainee. The Boulder woman now faces prosecution for second- and third-degree assault, obstruction and resisting arrest offenses.
Although an arrest can provoke strong feelings, it’s wise not to say or do anything to make a difficult situation worse. When a defendant feels his or her rights have been violated, the best course of action is to speak with an attorney. A criminal defense lawyer will review the arrest procedures and check for any police improprieties.
Source: KUSA, “Woman arrested after spitting on cop car, assault” Blair Shiff, May. 30, 2014