COON RAPIDS, Minn. (WCCO) — A 33-year-old man has been charged with fourth-degree assault for allegedly choking a police officer.
According to the charges, Joseph Allan Ilstrup, of Anoka, choked Officer Briana Johnson of the Coon Rapids Police Department after she approached him in a parking lot.
Officer Johnson was investigating a handicap parking violation around 9 p.m., Dec. 29 at 13020 Riverdale Drive Northwest, according to the complaint, when she saw Ilstrup walking to the vehicle.
As Ilstrup put groceries into the car, Officer Johnson asked him to identify himself. He refused and swore at Johnson, refusing to listen.
Officer Johnson then attempted to stop Ilstrup from moving away. Ilstrup pulled away and put both hands around Johnson’s neck, making it difficult for her to breathe.
Ilstrup then pushed Johnson up against a squad car and didn’t stop choking her until two other officers responded and used a Taser on him.
Ilstrup was put into the back of a squad car, where he continued to swear at police and began kicking the windows of the car.
Officer Johnson was taken to Mercy Hospital and treated for her injuries.
