A Colordao rafting guide was arrested for jumping in and saving a girl who had fallen out of his boat. Clear Creek sheriff’s deputes arrested Ryan Snodgrass for obstructing government operations, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. The victim, a 13 year old girl, was reported missing after the raft flipped in the water. After 30-45 minutes, Snodgrass finally spotted the young girl, nearly a half mile from where the raft initially flipped. Even though the county’s search and rescue team told him not to, Snodgrass jumped into the water to rescue her. He swam to the frightened girl and stayed with her until the country rescue team was able to reach them. Snodgrass was immediately arrested for obstructing government operations.
In general, offenses against government operations include resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, false reporting, bribery and tampering with witness or juries (source). Other offenses can include such things are eavesdropping, abuse of a public office or perjury. In this situation, someone may be charged with obstructing government operations if they knowingly obstruct or impair the administration of medical or emergency assistance by an emergency services worker. Obviously, preventing someone from administering lifesaving CPR to a drowning victim is markedly different than rescuing a drowning victim against police advice.
Not everyone arrested in Colorado Springs is guilty of the crime they are charged with. In many situations, innocent men and women are arrested and charged with crimes they may not have even committed. When this occurs, you need an experienced and veteran Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney on your side. Sarah Christensen is a veteran Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney who will aggressively fight to have your obstructing governmental operations charges reduced. Call (719)634-7770 today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Don’t face your Colorado criminal charges alone, contact Sarah Christensen today.
