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Barricaded man who shot at police with nail gun displayed "extremely dangerous conduct," prosecutor says in asking for high bond
Published: Thursday, June 16, 2011, 4:37 PM Updated: Thursday, June 16, 2011, 6:15 PM
Aaron Aupperlee | Jackson Citizen Patriot By Aaron Aupperlee | Jackson Citizen Patriot The Jackson Citizen Patriot
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Blumer said the man at the center of a more than six-hour standoff with police Wednesday would be a danger to the public if released on bail.
During Michael Czolgosz' arraignment today, Blumer asked District Judge R. Darryl Mazur to set bond at $150,000. Mazur, who noted that Czolgosz, 50, had no criminal record, gave him a $100,000 bond.
"He used a nail gun to shoot at police," Blumer said. "I believe the defendant displayed extremely dangerous conduct."
Czolgosz, a part-time janitor at a school, was charged today with four felonies, including one count of felonious assault of a sheriff's deputy with a nail gun, two count of felonious assault with a knife and resisting and obstructing police.
Blumer alleged that Czolgosz chased two women with a knife Wednesday, then barricaded himself in his house at 305 22nd Street. The Jackson County Special Response Team surrounded the house. Czolgosz shot a nail gun at the officers several times. He was arrested just before midnight.
Blumer said Czolgosz placed wet towels on his face to resist tear gas shot into the house and was taken into custody after officers used a Taser and a police dog.
"He certainly dove off of a high board on this one," Blumer said in response to Czolgosz clean criminal record.
After reading the charges and advising Czolgosz of his right, Mazur asked him if he had any questions.
"I don't remember attacking anybody with a knife," Czolgosz began before Mazur cut him off, reminding him of his right to remain silent.
Czolgosz had not been taking medicine for his bi-polar disorder and had "supplemented" the medicine with beer, he told Mazur.
His family is making arrangements to retain an attorney, Mazur said. Three friends or family members were in court today for Czolgosz arraignment. They refused to comment outside the courtroom.
"You don't know the whole story," one said, walking away.
Mazur scheduled a preliminary exam for June 30.
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