Guitarist Neil Hagerty accused of cutting Denver police officer with badge

Neil Hagerty, 57, was taken into custody for investigation of aggravated assault on a peace officer

A Denver police officer was injured early Friday when a man attacked him using his own police badge, according to the Denver Police Department.

The suspect is guitarist Neil Michael Hagerty, 57, according to publicly available documents, including voter record, reviewed by The Denver Gazette.

Denver police responded to a call for a welfare check in the 600 block of North Pennsylvania Street at around 12:30 a.m., according to a DPD tweet.

The area is just east of Speer Boulevard and south of the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

The responding officer was talking to the person who made the call when Hagerty allegedly came out of the building and attacked the officer, according to the tweet.

Police said Hagerty ripped off the officer’s police badge and used it to cut the officer, creating a 6-inch laceration on the officer’s throat, according to an arrest affidavit.

Hagerty then attempted to take the officer’s service weapon from his holster.

“Victim officer called for cover and on arrival of second officer, suspect continued to fight causing a physical injury/laceration on second officer’s hand,” the arrest affidavit stated. “Suspect also attempted to disarm second officer by attempting to pull officer’s Taser from the holster.”

Hagerty was taken into custody and is being held on suspicion of two counts of second-degree assault on a peace officer and two counts of attempting to disarm an officer.

Hagerty is being held without bond and is scheduled to make a first court appearance on Saturday.

The officers involved were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries including cuts and abrasions from the incident, according to the tweet. They were all released later.

Hagerty is best known for his performances with the band Royal Trux. He was also a guitarist and songwriter with the band Pussy Galore. Most recently, Hagerty performed in a Denver-based band called Howling Hex.

The suspect in this case has the same date of birth, full name and eye color as the famous musician. Voter records for Neil Michael Hagerty show a home address near Friday’s call for service.

Neil Hagerty, 57, was arrested on allegations he cut an officer with his own badge. (Denver Police Department)
Neil Hagerty, 57, was arrested on allegations he cut an officer with his own badge. (Denver Police Department)

PREV

PREVIOUS

New ready-to-drink vodka beverage VAQIT finds success in Denver market

A young Denver-based beverage company named Vaqit, pronounced (vock-it) could be on the precipice of big sales numbers as it recently inked a deal with concert and sports promoter AEG Presents. That deal comes on the heels of a recent partnership deal with the University of Denver in February. Founders Tuffli Nguyen and Chris Wood […]

NEXT

NEXT UP

Up to 18 inches of snow to hit parts of Colorado, 'winter weather' advisories issued

Days after record-breaking warm temperatures were reached around Colorado, a typical springtime storm cycle is set to bring up to 18 inches of snow to parts of the state. According to the National Weather Service, wintery weather that’s set to blast the state Friday through Saturday evening will strike the hardest in the Winter Park […]


Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests