Police Department

SPD Responds To Domestic Violence Incident

Cpl. Ronald Van Tassel

Monday, October 26, 2020 at 3:20 p.m.

On Saturday, Officers responded to the West Central neighborhood for a domestic violence assault. Shortly after arrival, Officers were confronted by the suspect and involved in a violent confrontation with him inside of the residence. After the suspect was detained, Officers interviewed the victim and based on evidence and her statements, charged the suspect with numerous charges. 

Just after 1 pm on October 24, 2020 Officers responded to the area of 1200 N Ash. A female had called 911 and the operator could hear a violent confrontation on the other end of the phone. Officers responded to the residence and knocked on the door. They could hear a female inside scream for help. Recognizing the potential dangerous situation the female was in, Officers made entry into the residence. They were immediately confronted at the door by 30 year old, David Richards. Officers immediately recognized Richards and knew that he had two felony warrants for his arrest, one for 2^nd degree assault and another for violating a protection order.

Officers attempted to grab a hold of Richards to place him under arrest for his warrant. Instead of cooperating peacefully, Richards threw a punch at Officers. Several Officers took Richards to the ground inside the residence. While on the ground Richards continued to violently resist. With Officers on top of him, Richards stood back up and charged across the room before falling to the ground again. Richards continued to fight and punched another Officer in the face. With the help of a taser, Officers were finally able to get Richards into custody. Even after being in handcuffs, Richards attempted to head butt one Officer and continued to violently resist.

Officers learned from the victim that she used to date Richards and they have a child in common. Richards does not live at the location and today, unlawfully entered the victim’s residence. He physically held her down and covered her mouth when she tried to scream for help. The victim attempted to leave the residence several times and Richards told her she could not leave and physically prevented her from leaving. During the physical assault, the victim had the infant in her arms. Richards actions jeopardized the safety of the victim and child.

Officers booked Richards into jail for his 2 felony warrants, 7 felonies and 2 misdemeanors. The new charges are,  4 counts of assaulting Officers, 1^st degree burglary, unlawful imprisonment, 2^nd assault, reckless endangerment and interfering with the reporting of a DV.  

Richards criminal history includes 13 convictions, 6 felonies and 7 misdemeanors.

The felony convictions are for Violation of a no contact order (X2), Criminal mischief with a deadly weapon (X2), Custodial assault and 2^nd degree Robbery.

His misdemeanor conviction include, DUI, Driving while license suspended (X2) and assault (X4).

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