Cop assaulted while serving protection order

BY STACI WILSON

A Montrose police officer was assaulted as he attempted to serve a protection from abuse order Friday night.

Patrolman Justin Sprout sustained blows to his neck area from Larry Norton, 57, Montrose, according to the affidavit of probably cause filed by Montrose Ptlm. Laura Watson.

Sprout and Watson arrived at Norton’s residence to serve the court order which stemmed from an earlier incident.

According to the affidavit, Norton charged Sprout after the officer explained why they were at his residence and punched him twice in the neck. Norton also knocked Sprout’s flashlight out of his hand, leaving the porch area in darkness.

Norton did not comply with Watson’s order to get down, according to the complaint until Sprout drew his tazer and ordered him to comply.

After Sprout holstered his weapon in order to handcuff the man, Norton then attacked Sprout again, grabbing his wrists and wrestling with him.

Norton was still resisting, according to the affidavit, when Sprout handcuffed him.

Norton was arraigned Aug. 11 in front of District Judge Jodi Cordner and charged with felony aggravated assault; and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstruction of law enforcement. He is being held on $50,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Aug. 20 in Montrose District Court.