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MURRAY — A man who police say wielded a knife and attacked two bystanders and two officers in Murray Park is facing criminal charges.
Traeger Gavin Winn, 24, of Murray, was charged Wednesday in 3rd District Court with two counts of assault on a police officer, a second-degree felony; two counts of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony; failing to stop at the command of police, a class A misdemeanor; and, interfering with an officer, a class B misdemeanor.
On May 24, two men were walking in the park when police say they began making fun of the gold chain Winn was wearing.
"Winn immediately became enraged and stated, 'Do you know who I am?'" according to charging documents.
The men told police that Winn pulled out a knife, ran at them and then tackled one of the men to the ground and began punching him, the charges state. The men used pepper spray on Winn to get away from him and then contacted police.
When officers arrived at the park, 5125 S. State, they found Winn with his hands in the air.
"Officers observed Winn was in an agitated emotional state and observed the black knife in Winn's right hand. Officers again ordered Winn to stop and drop the knife, to which Winn became even more agitated and yelled to leave him alone," the charges say.
The officers used their Tasers on Winn, which had no effect. Winn then allegedly began swinging the knife at the officers, One of the officers and Winn fell to the ground during the confrontation.
"Winn immediately got up and ran south toward the park," according to the charges. "Officers placed themselves around Winn, who continued to swing the knife back and forth."
Police used their Tasers again, this time causing Winn to fall to the ground. Although he continued to resist, officers were able to place him in handcuffs, the charges state. One officer suffered cuts to his forearm and hand, and the other to his left arm.
