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What can I do about a verbal threat against my life?
Anonymous3 views2 answers
I was involved in a verbal altercation with a neighbor after he shot another of my neighbors' dogs because it killed one of his chickens (we live in city limits and he lets his chickens roam outside of his yard and won't secure his fence to keep other animals out). During the argument he made references of sexual nature toward me and his wife also threatened physical violence against me. Then while he had the gun in his hand he pointed it in my direction and told me he would kill me while my boyfriend was on the phone with the police dispatch. When the police arrived he the man admitted to the verbal threat, but didn't admit to having the gun. I was told by the officers that they couldn't prove anything so there was nothing they could do.
Peter Loyd WeberCriminal Defense AttorneyNorthglenn, CO ·
You can pursue a civil protection order against the couple. Ask for a copy of the police report that was made. You can get it from the police station, it's best to do in person. If you called it in it was likely recorded so if she admitted that on the phone you should ask for a copy of the recorded call. If they give you a hard time about it when you call, say it is for your attorney.
Interesting. And the Mesa County Sheriff's Department did not charge him for animal abuse for killing the neighbor's dog? I know that is discretionary and the dog did kill a chicken. I agree with my colleague that you "can" pursue a civil restraining order against him. However, as a former county court judge, I would advise you that pursuant to Colorado statute there are only 3 grounds for a restraining order: 1) assaults or physical abuse, 2) threats of assaults or physical abuse, and 3) abuse (emotional or physical) of the elderly. So, the sexual comments would not be a basis for a restraining order. The threats of physical violence by the neighbor and his wife definitely would be a strong basis, especially if he pointed a gun in your direction and threatened to kill you. I am frankly surprised that the Mesa County Sheriff's Department did not at least investigate him for felony menacing (a credible threat with a deadly weapon). It sounds like the neighbors admitted threatening to kill you (but not the gun). Get a copy of the police report in which they admit making death threats to support your request for a restraining order. Even if charges were not filed, chances are that the officers were still required to fill out reports about the incident.
