St. Thomas police chief concerned about rise in assaults on officers

St. Thomas police Chief Marc Roskamp. (Source: St. Thomas Police Chief)

St. Thomas’ police chief is sounding the alarm over an apparent rise in the number of assaults on police officers.

According to police, there were assaults on police officers for three consecutive days last week. The incidents happened while officers were responding to calls, including family disputes, unwanted persons, and intimate partner violence.

On Jan. 9, a 61-year-old St. Thomas resident was charged with assaulting a police officer who responded to check on an individual’s wellbeing.

On Jan. 8, a 44-year-old St. Thomas resident was charged with resisting a peace officer and two counts of assaulting a police officer after police responded to an altercation in the downtown.

Also on Jan. 8, an 18 year old was charged with resisting a peace officer and assaulting a police officer after beer was allegedly stolen from a residence.

In a news release, St. Thomas police said the trend highlights the increasing risks faced by frontline officers.

Chief Marc Roskamp said, “The rise in violence against our officers is unacceptable and deeply concerning. These incidents serve as a reminder of the dangers our members face, each and every day.”