Paul Ward attempted to murder, take a weapon from and assault a police officer in 2017
VISALIA – A 2017 police assault case concluded last week when Judge Juliet Boccone sentenced Visalia resident Paul Ward to life in prison for attempted murder of a police officer.
Paul Ward
43 years old
Ward, 43, was convicted on Nov. 25 for attempting to murder, take a weapon from and assault a police officer, resisting arrest, assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, attempted criminal threats, misdemeanor battery against an EMT and two counts of misdemeanor battery.
Just before 2 p.m. on July 30, 2017, Visalia Police Department officers responded to a disturbance. Witnesses said Ward was in the home when he became irate and began to hit people. When officers arrived, they found Ward outside completely naked and subdued by a number of witnesses.
As medical personnel attempted to treat Ward, he kicked an EMT in the groin and began to attack the officers, punching and kicking them. After numerous demands to comply, officers tased Ward with little effect. One officer produced his baton and Ward moved toward him and grabbed ahold of it. During the struggle, Ward punched the officer in the face. Ward was then able to sweep around the officer with his arm and began to choke him. According to witnesses, Ward used his free hand to go for the officer’s firearm.
The officer broke free when another officer struck Ward with a baton. Officers were then able to wrestle Ward to the ground and take him into custody.
Under current California law, Ward must serve 12 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.
