Nude man’s wild attack on police officer leads to life sentence in prison
Paul Brian Ward was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for an attack on a Visalia police officer.
Judge Juliet Boccone handed down the sentence in a Tulare County courtroom, the District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
Ward, 43, of Visalia was convicted on Nov. 25 for attempted murder of a police officer, assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, attempted weapon removal, assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, attempted criminal threats, misdemeanor battery against an EMT and two counts of misdemeanor battery.
On July 30, 2017, Visalia police responded to a call that Ward was hitting people inside a house.
Officers found Ward outside, nude and subdued by citizens – one who was suffering from injuries including a bloody nose.
Medical personnel attempted to treat Ward but he kicked an EMT in the groin and began punching and kicking officers.
Police tased Ward with little effect. A police officer tried to use his baton but Ward grabbed hold of it.
During the struggle, Ward punched the officer in the face and was able to sweep around the officer with his arm and began to choke him.
Witnesses said Ward reached for the officer’s firearm. The officer broke free and another officer subdued Ward with a baton strike.
Ward is eligible for parole after serving 12 years in prison.
