A routine police check near the Burrwood Apartments on Saturday ended in a violent struggle, a concussion for a St. Louis County officer, and felony charges for Asar Harper, who is now jailed on a $150,000 cash-only bond.
Authorities say the officer was taken to a local hospital, where medical staff diagnosed a concussion and possible rib injuries after the confrontation.
Details From Charging Documents
According to First Alert 4, a St. Louis County officer was conducting a routine check near the Burrwood Apartments when she saw two men fighting. To break things up, she activated her lights and sirens.
Charging documents state that the officer then approached Harper, who was arguing with a woman. When the officer asked if he had any weapons, Harper allegedly ran. Officers reportedly deployed a Taser after discovering an active warrant for Harper and what they described in court records as a large bulge in his pocket.
Harper was eventually restrained with handcuffs and leg shackles and placed in the back of a patrol car. While inside the vehicle, he allegedly slipped his seatbelt and “mule-kicked” the officer in the chest, according to the documents. The kick allegedly knocked her backward, causing her to fall and hit her head on the concrete, which prosecutors say led to the concussion diagnosis and suspected rib injuries.
Legal Implications
Under Missouri law, assault in the first degree is typically a Class B felony and can be elevated to a Class A felony if it causes serious physical injury or involves a special victim such as a law enforcement officer, according to the Missouri Revised Statutes. As outlined in RSMo §565.050, that classification affects the potential penalties and sentencing range a defendant could face if convicted.
Charges, Bond and Next Steps
As reported by First Alert 4, Harper is charged with one count of first-degree assault, one count of resisting arrest, and one count of harassment. He is being held on a $150,000 cash-only, no-10-percent bond.
The charges are allegations, and Harper is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in a court of law.
