Larry O’Neill Walker, II, 31, of Detroit, was convicted today in federal district court of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer, announced United States Attorney Barbara McQuade.
McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Paul Abbate, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Office.
The three day trial was conducted before United States District Judge Marianne O. Battani. The jury deliberated for approximately 20 minutes before reaching their verdict.
"This defendant endangered a law enforcement officer and members of the public by using his vehicle as a weapon," McQuade said.
“The use or attempted use of violence against law enforcement officers carrying out their sworn duties is an offense against every brave individual who has ever worn the badge," stated Paul M. Abbate, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “When violent perpetrators direct their actions toward those whose duty is to protect and serve, they will be brought to justice."
Evidence presented during the trial established that FBI Federal Task Force Officer Scott Herzog was assisting the Detroit Police Department with an investigation in the early morning hours of November 7, 2013. Officer Herzog was conducting surveillance in an undercover car in a parking lot in Rochester Hills, Michigan, when Walker sped into the lot and attempted to hit Officer Herzog’s car with his vehicle.
Officer Herzog left the lot and traveled away from Walker on Rochester Road. Walker chased Officer Herzog north on Rochester Road, at times reaching speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour, attempting to strike the rear bumper and rear quarter panels of the officer’s car. The assault ended just before the two cars entered the City of Rochester when Officer Herzog activated his emergency lights and maneuvered his car to halt Walker’s pursuit.
Sentencing is set before Judge Marianne O. Battani on July 8, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.
McQuade praised the work of the Detroit office of the FBI and the Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John O’Brien and Eaton Brown are handling the prosecution of this case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
