By CHRIS HARRIS CJ Staff Writer
It took only a one-day trial to convict a Burnside man of assaulting a police officer — and he may face five years in prison for the offense, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
Steve Lester, 26, was tried in Pulaski Circuit Court Tuesday and convicted of third-degree assault, with UNITE’s David L. Dalton prosecuting. According to Dalton, Lester assaulted Burnside officer Bruce Blevins on April 10, 2006. Blevins had been dispatched to Antioch Drive in Burnside following a complaint of harassment. While speaking to Lester’s neighbors, the defendant came out of his yard and crossed the street to punch Blevins in the head several times.
Photographs confirmed injuries to Blevins, who testified that he had soreness following the incident.
When on the stand to offer his testimony, Lester claimed that Blevins struck him first and denied assaulting the police officer.
Following the presentation of evidence, a jury comprised of seven men and five women deliberated for 13 minutes before returning to find Lester guilty of third-degree assault — assault upon a law enforcement officer in the course of his duties. Lester requested the minimum sentence, but Dalton urged the jury to hold the defendant accountable with the maximum term of five years imprisonment, which is what was ultimately recommended by the jury. Pulaski Circuit Judge David Tapp ordered Lester’s bond revoked and remanded him into custody, and also set final sentencing for April 26.
“This verdict demonstrates that the people of Pulaski County are not going to tolerate random acts of violence against law enforcement officers,” said Dalton. “In addition, the maximum sentence shows that such lawless behavior is inexcusable and will be punished accordingly.”
