DENVER - Christian Edward McCabe, age 25, of Denver, was arrested based on a Criminal Complaint after pointing a firearm at a federal government contract guard, and then resisting arrest, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced in cooperation with the Federal Protective Service (FPS), a part of the Department of Homeland Security. The incident took place near the Byron White Federal Courthouse, which houses the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. McCabe made his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge yesterday. He is in custody pending a detention hearing and preliminary hearing, scheduled for June 16, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix.
The case involves a Protective Security Officer (PSO), who is a federally contracted security guard working for Door Electric Company, Inc. (DECO). PSOs are responsible for protecting federal buildings in the downtown Denver area. On June 9, 2015 at 1:50 a.m., a PSO was dispatched the Byron White Federal Courthouse, located at 1823 Stout Street, to remove a homeless man sleeping on the northwest corner steps. As the PSO was escorting the homeless man, an unknown male (later identified as McCabe), approached the two, pointed a handgun, and stated “hey guys." The handgun was a Glock.40 caliber. The PSO pushed the homeless man out of the line of fire, and then pulled his firearm, pointed it at McCabe, and demanded twice that McCabe drop his weapon. McCabe complied on the second request.
As the PSO attempted to take McCabe into custody, McCabe resisted, resulting in a struggle. The defendant ultimately was able to break free and run from the PSO. He was later caught by two other PSO’s after the original PSO called for help after the struggle. At 2:47 a.m. McCabe was taken to Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC) for a physical evaluation and then transferred to a detention facility. Preliminary toxicology results showed McCabe had cocaine in his blood.
McCabe faces one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers or employees. If convicted he faces not more than 20 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine.
“The Security Officer in this case showed tremendous restraint, professionalism and courage in dealing with the defendant," said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. “He protected the man he was escorting from federal property at considerable risk to himself, and was able to restrain the defendant which ultimately helped with his capture before others were harmed."
This case was investigated by the Federal Protective Service (FPS).
The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Sibert.
A Criminal Complaint is a probable cause charging document. Anyone accused of committing a felony violation of federal law has a Constitutional right to be indicted by a federal grand jury.
The charges contained in the Criminal Compliant are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
