Crime & Safety
Backflipping FBI Agent Gets His Gun Back
Lawyers for Chase Bishop are considering a plea deal for the DC-based agent who accidentally shot a bystander at a Denver bar.
DENVER, CO – Chase Bishop, the backflipping FBI agent who accidentally discharged a handgun in a crowded Denver bar is allowed to keep his weapon on and off-duty, a judge ruled.
Judge Fran Simonet permitted Bishop to carry his service weapon at a hearing Tuesday, based on Bishop's lawyers arguing that the FBI "strongly encourages" agents to be armed both on and off-duty, the Associated Press reported.
Bishop's athletic dance moves at Mile High Spirits and Distillery were captured on cellphone videos June 2 when he executed a backflip and his gun fell from his back holster. As he picked it up, the weapon discharged, striking bystander Thomas Reddington in the leg. Reddington was hospitalized with a severed artery.
Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bishop, 29, who is based in Washington DC, turned himself in to Denver police and was charged with second-degree assault. A hearing to lay out evidence against him was delayed Tuesday as Bishop's attorneys deliberated on a plea deal.
The judge ruled that Bishop may not take drugs or drink alcohol until the case is settled, the AP said.
Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Denver District Attorney spokesman Ken Lane confirmed to Patch that a plea deal was offered, but declined to elaborate on specifics. Lane said toxicology blood tests to measure Bishop's blood alcohol levels at the time were received by the DA's office.
"We did receive the toxicology reports," Lane said in an email. "They do not support the filing of any additional charges. We do not release test results until after disposition of a case."
Bishop's next court date is scheduled for August 21.
Related: WATCH: FBI Agent Accidentally Shoots Man While Dancing At Club
Related: Dancing FBI Agent May Have Been Drinking: Denver Cops
Related: Man Shot By Denver FBI Agent: "I Couldn't Help but Laugh"
Related: Back-Flipping FBI Agent Charged With Assault, Turns Himself In
Image via Denver Police Department
Get Patched In:
Stay up-to-date with Metro Denver news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Newsletters and Email Newsletters and Email Alerts|Facebook
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
