CLAYTON, Mo. – The man charged with critically injuring a Ferguson Police Officer during a protest is due in court Thursday morning.
The pre-trial conference is set for 9 a.m. Thursday morning in the case against 28-year-old Elijah Gantt. The Ferguson officer whom Gantt is accused of assaulting, Travis Brown, remains hospitalized with a serious brain injury.
Ferguson police released video of what happened in this case back in August. It all unfolded during protests outside of the Ferguson Police Department, marking the tenth anniversary of the Michael Brown shooting. Police, including officer Brown, moved in to make arrests after protesters tried to knock over the fence outside of the police department.
Authorities say in the video, Gantt runs into Officer Brown, knocking Brown to the ground. Brown was trying to stop Gantt from running away from the scene. Gantt was taken into custody, but Brown fell backwards, hitting his head hard on the ground, leading to the critical brain injury.
In the wake of the incident, Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle held an emotional news conference about what happened, supporting Officer Brown and condemning Gantt’s alleged actions.
Gantt is currently behind bars Thursday morning at the Justice Center in Clayton. He is facing a dozen charges, including first degree assault involving serious physical injury to a special victim.
During the hearing, Gantt’s attorney is expected to ask for a future bond reduction hearing for Gantt. Gantt is currently being held on a 500,000 cash-only bond.
Thursday morning’s hearing will be held in Division 13 in front of Judge Bruce Hilton. Gantt may also be there in person.
