MD Man Who Assaulted Police During Protest Found Guilty

WASHINGTON, DC — A Maryland man has been found guilty of assaulting two police officers during a 2020 protest in downtown Washington, D.C., federal prosecutors said Tuesday.

Michael Patschak, 31, of Frederick, was found guilty of two counts of assaulting a police officer and one count of robbery last week following a trial. According to evidence presented during his trial, Patschak attended a demonstration at 16th and I Streets Northwest on Dec. 12, 2020. He was wearing a black military-style helmet, ski goggles, and a backpack with a camera mounted on it.

During the demonstration, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department arrested protesters who were assaulting officers and other demonstrators. As officers were making an arrest, Patschak approached them and shoved one of the arresting officers, prosecutors said.

A fight ensued between Patschak and the police officer, during which Patschak ripped the body-worn camera from the officer's chest. When the camera fell to the ground, Patschak quickly snatched it up and put it in his pocket, authorities said.

Several minutes later, authorities said Patschak approached a retreating police line, raised his middle finger and threw water at the officers. Another MPD officer tried to arrest Patschak, but Patshak resisted by punching the officer in the head several times.

Eventually, officers detained Patschak and recovered the first officer’s still-recording body camera in Patschak’s backpack.

Patschak will be sentenced on Jan. 20.