The judge overseeing the case against Patrick Egan, the man accused of a racially tinged assault against a Colorado Springs reporter, said Egan proposes “a significant community safety risk.”
She refused to lower Egan’s bail and expressed concern about Egan’s willingness and ability to appear in court.
Egan is accused of assaulting KKCO/KJCT reporter Ja’Ronn Alex on December 18.
He allegedly followed Alex in his car before asking Alex at a stoplight, “Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trump’s America Now. I’m a marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you.” He later tackled and choked Alex outside the KKCO building, the affidavit said.
“The allegations in this case are very concerning,” District Court Deputy DA Victoria Fazzino said. “The people have victim safety concerns (and) community safety concerns. The fact that he is a marine, we understand that can be a mitigating factor in some ways, but in others, it was part of this offense where he said he was a marine and he has to protect the country.”
“That gives the people concern about community safety,” said Fazzino. “The people feel the bond is appropriate where it is set based on the allegations in this case and his prior history.”
“He has had some ongoing mental health issues for about two decades now,” said public defender Ruth Swift. “… Mr. Wilson has seen Egan go through some ups and downs. He’s told me he’s usually been able to help intervene before things get to a point to where there was any certain danger to the community or Mr. Egan.”
Egan is due back in court on January 16.
