Obstructing a Peace Officer is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person is accused of using or threatening to use physical force to keep a police officer from doing his or her job. Recently, an Aurora police sergeant was arrested and charged with Obstruction after he had an interaction with Denver Police. According to the report, the sergeant (who was off duty at the time) was pulled over by Denver Police for impaired driving. He fled the scene initially, but returned later and was arrested for Obstructing a Peace Officer and Driving Under the Influence. So, apparently and officer can obstruct another officer.
Larimer County Obstructing a Peace Officer Lawyer: Definition of Obstructing a Police Officer in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Obstructing a Peace Officer – C.R.S. 18-8-104 – is:
(b) To assure that animals used in law enforcement or fire prevention activities are protected from harm, a person commits obstructing a peace officer or firefighter when, by using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference, or an obstacle, he or she knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders any such animal.
While it wasn’t disclosed in the news article, it’s likely that the Obstruction charge stems from the sergeant’s fleeing the scene. He may have pushed an officer out of the way or used the car door to impede the officer from getting to him.
Sentence for Obstructing a Police Officer in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park, Obstructing a Peace Officer is a class 2 misdemeanor crime. This level crime is punishable by 90 to 364 days in the Larimer County Jail and up to $1,000 in fines.