Obstruction of a Peace Officer: This isn’t a charge you would be worried about facing as a stab victim.
Be careful if you don’t cooperate with police after being assaulted in Weld County or the cities of Greeley, Dacono, or Fort Lupton. Recently, an individual was stabbed (the stabber was most likely charged with Second Degree Assault – CRS 18-3-203) and chose to ignore instructions by the arresting police officers. This person is now facing charges of Obstruction of a Peace Officer (CRS 18-8-104).
The victim, who had several stab wounds to their chest and face, did not respond to the orders given by the Police Officers. Understandably, they were most likely in shock after the bloody fight and were trying to get medical attention. The last thing on their mind would have been to listen to the barking orders of demanding cops. They were wounded, scared, and possibly in shock. They were not in a position where they could have hurt anyone and were only seeking to preserve their own life. Complying with a police pat down was not on their agenda.
Because they disobeyed the orders of the police officers, the person was arrested and charged with Obstruction of a Peace Officer – CRS 18-8-104, a class 2 misdemeanor. The law states that Obstruction of a Peace Officer is committed by someone “using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference or an obstacle.” This person then “knowingly obstructs, impairs or hinders the enforcement of the penal law or the preservation of the peace by a peace officer.” There may have been other circumstances involved in this arrest, but the accused ultimately chose to seek medical attention and try to protect themselves as opposed to following the police officer’s instructions.
If you are the victim of an assault, but choose to seek life-saving measures as opposed to following police instructions you may be charged with Obstruction of a Peace Officer. If police arrest you, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – 4volvos