Adams deputy accused of breaking 15-year-old's jaw - The Denver Post

Adams deputy accused of breaking 15-year-old's jaw - The Denver Post

Criminal charges have been filed against an Adams County Sheriff's deputy who is accused of breaking the jaw of a 15-year-old boy who was in an ambulance with his hands and feet restrained.

Patrol Deputy David Morrow, 28, is charged with child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, second-degree assault and tampering with a witness, all felonies, as well as a misdemeanor charge of official oppression, according to a joint statement this afternoon from the Adams County District Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Department.

The incident happened at when deputies broke up a party in unincorporated Adams County between Thornton and Welby about 1 a.m. on June 12 and the teenager was allegedly drunk and became "verbally abusive," they said

The boy was being taken to a hospital because he would not provide information about his parents so they could be notified, according to the statement, issued after an internal investigation of the incident.

"Witnesses report that Morrow entered the ambulance to retrieve his handcuffs," the sheriff and prosecutors offices stated.

"Morrow was told he could exit though the back door, but insisted on exiting through the side door in front of the ambulance. As he passed the juvenile restrained on the ambulance gurney, Morrow struck the juvenile on the face with a closed fist."

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by 9News, Morrow then said to the ambulance staff, "Nobody saw anything, right?"

Morrow has been on paid leave, but was placed on leave without pay today, because of the charges being filed.

"This is an unfortunate day for the Adams County Sheriff's Office," says Sheriff Doug Darr stated.

He added, "This is very serious business. We have a responsibility to investigate all allegations of violations of Colorado law regardless of the individual's position. It's about doing the right thing regardless of the circumstances. It is the only way to maintain the trust and respect of the community we serve. We are not above the law."

Morrow has been a deputy since 2004, 9News reported.