Ham Lake man accused of assaulting deputy while trying to break into neighbor’s house

A Ham Lake man is accused of trying to break into a neighbor’s home and assaulting the deputy who responded to the call.

Robert J. Kozicky is charged with one count of first-degree attempted burglary of an occupied dwelling, one count of third-degree assault, substantial bodily harm and one count of fourth-degree assault of a peace officer, demonstrable bodily harm.

According to the criminal complaint, on Nov. 6, around 8:15 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to a home on the 16600 block of Fifth Street Northeast in Ham Lake following a call from a man who said that his next-door neighbor was trying to break into his home.

The homeowner said that after he got inside his house, Kozicky, who had been walking down the street, came to his front door and started banging on it while talking loudly. Kozicky eventually broke off the glass exterior door, causing the wooden frame to crack, and used it to hit the metal front door, trying to get into the home, the court document states.

When the first deputy arrived at the scene, Kozicky initially complied with her orders to get on the ground and put his hand behind his back, but he then got up and charged at the deputy. She used her taser on him, but it didn’t stop him, according to the criminal complaint.

The deputy lost her footing and fell to the ground while Kozicky charged at her, and Kozicky grabbed the deputy by the legs, lifting her off the ground and slamming her head and neck on the concrete driveway.

Kozicky ran behind the home and was taken into custody by another officer, who also tased him. Kozicky posted bond on Nov. 9 and was released from jail.

The injured deputy was covered in blood from a head injury and said that she didn’t remember what happened. The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office says that the deputy was taken to the hospital and has since been released and is recovering.

“The injuries our deputy received while doing her job on November 6th brings significant concern. Everyday, deputies put on their uniforms and respond to unknown circumstances that at times includes violence. While our deputies are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our communities, violence against those who work to maintain peace is unacceptable,” said Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise in a statement.

“In this case, our deputy acted with extreme courage by immediately confronting this violent suspect to protect those inside. She also showed exceptional resilience by assisting her partners in pursuing the suspect and taking him into custody, despite her injuries. I am so proud of how our deputies responded to protect their community.”

Kozicky’s first court appearance was Nov. 7 and is next due in court on Nov. 26.
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