Larimer County Patrol Deputy Assaulted During Arrest

A Larimer County Sheriff's Office patrol deputy was assaulted during a traffic stop in Fort Collins, on the night of February 28, 2015.

Around 11:20 p.m., the officer conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle driving with a defective headlight at West Elizabeth Street and City Park Avenue. During the stop, the deputy had reason to believe that the driver of the vehicle, who has been identified as Alexander Quinton Gonzales, was under the influence of alcohol.

Gonzales was asked to step out of the car for further investigation, which revealed probable cause for the deputy to place him under arrest. However, when the deputy, who was being assisted by a Fort Collins Police Officer, attempted to handcuff him, Gonzales pulled away and began fighting with both officers, at one point striking the deputy in the head with his elbow.

The deputy tried to use a Taser to control Gonzales, but was ineffective, allowing him to break free and flee for a short distance. The officers were able to catch up with Gonzales and he was taken into custody without any further incident.

During the initial struggle with Gonzales, the deputy suffered a fractured finger and was later treated at a local hospital. Gonzales suffered multiple abrasions, but did not require medical attention. Gonzales, 19 of Fort Collins, was booked into the Larimer County Jail on the following allegations with a total bond of $2,000:

• 2nd Degree Assault (Class 4 Felony)
• Resisting Arrest (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
• DUI (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
• Drove Defective Vehicle (Traffic Infraction)

These charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.