ST. LOUIS — The man accused of assaulting and critically wounding Ferguson police officer Travis Brown last month is now facing 12 charges after a grand jury indicted him last week.
Elijah Gantt was charged on Sept. 4 with first-degree assault of a police officer and multiple counts of fourth-degree assault of other police officers in connection with the chaotic end to a day of protesting to mark the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death.
According to charging documents and video released in the days after the incident, a few people damaged the fence at the police station in the late night hours of Aug. 10, causing police to step in and make arrests. The grand jury indictment alleges Gantt kicked kicked six different police officers while trying to evade arrest. While fleeing police, he allegedly "charged" Officer Travis Brown, knocking him to the ground and leaving him with a serious brain injury.
Brown was still in the hospital as of Sept. 3, according to the most recent update to the GoFundMe page started to help with his medical costs.
The indictment alleges Gantt also tried to wipe off his fingerprints or handprints from the piece of damaged fence, for which he was charged with attempted tampering with physical evidence.
In all, the grand jury indicted him on:
- one count of first-degree assault of a special victim
- six counts of misdemeanor assault of a special victim
- one count of misdemeanor assault
- one count of rioting
- one county of resisting arrest
- and one count of escape or attempted escape from custody while under arrest for a felony
Gantt had previously posted bond after being charged with multiple crimes in connection with the incident, but the charges from the grand jury will take precedence. Gantt will be arraigned on Sept. 25.
When asked if he wanted to provide a comment, Gantt's lawyer declined.
