27-year-old Wesley Norton has been arrested in connection with an incident that occurred on Feb. 3 just after 2 a.m. near West 88th Avenue and Huron Street.
Thornton Police officers contacted an occupied suspicious vehicle parked at a gas station that did not have license plates. When the suspect provided false identification and was asked to exit the vehicle, he instead started the car and ignored officers’ commands to stop.
As he drove away, two police officers were dragged several yards. One officer suffered minor injuries, while the other sustained significant injuries and is believed to have been run over by the vehicle and bitten by the suspect.
Thorough investigative work led to the identification of the suspect, who was apprehended on Feb.5.
“This incident underscores the unpredictable and dangerous situations our officers face every day,” said Thornton Police Chief Jim Baird. “Their actions, from the initial encounter through the investigation that followed, reflect their professionalism and resilience in serving this community.”
The case was presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. After review, the District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Norton:
- Count1: Assault in the second degree (F4)
- Count 2: Assault in the third degree
- Count 3: Assault in the third degree
- Count 4: Obstructing a peace officer
- Count 5: False reporting of identifying information to law enforcement
- Count 6: Reckless driving
Under Colorado law, the arrest and filing of criminal charges are merely formal accusations that an individual committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law