Loveland Police Arrest Man After Incident Involving Baseball Bat, Threats and Property Damage

Loveland Police Department arrested a man November 23 after he brandished a baseball bat, damaged a vehicle and yelled threats at bystanders in what officers described as a series of "bad decisions" that disrupted a Loveland neighborhood.

Officers responded to reports of a man wielding a bat and making serious threats to harm others while causing property damage. The suspect fled when police arrived, leading to a brief pursuit before officers safely apprehended him.

The man was charged with multiple offenses including violation of a protection order and was booked into the Larimer County Detention Facility. The baseball bat was confiscated as evidence.

Violation of Protection Order Carries Criminal Penalties

Violation of a protection order in Colorado is charged under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-6-803.5. A first-time violation constitutes a class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 120 days in jail and a fine up to $750, according to state law.

If the violation occurs in connection with domestic violence cases or if the defendant has prior convictions for violating protection orders, the offense escalates to a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000.

Colorado law requires law enforcement to arrest individuals when probable cause exists that a protection order has been violated. The Larimer County District Attorney's Office prosecutes these violations as separate criminal offenses, treating them with particular seriousness when victim intimidation or additional threats occur.

A person commits the crime when they knowingly contact, harass, threaten or otherwise violate the terms of a protection order after being served or notified of its existence.

Weapons-Related Incidents Represent Small Portion of Loveland Crime

Incidents involving weapons such as baseball bats represent a small but consistent percentage of overall crime in Loveland. The city reports between 30 and 50 weapons-related incidents annually, including threats with bats or similar objects, compared to total annual police calls numbering in the tens of thousands.

Loveland Police Department officers follow established protocols when responding to weapons-related calls, prioritizing public and officer safety while employing de-escalation techniques when possible. Officers are trained to use force proportional to the risk posed and attempt verbal de-escalation before using physical intervention.

The department subscribes to principles of de-escalation including warnings, negotiation and non-lethal force where possible. Officers receive mandatory training on responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

The majority of weapons-related cases in Loveland do not result in severe injury and most are resolved without use of lethal force.

Booking Process Follows Standard Procedures

The Larimer County Detention Facility operates 24 hours a day and accepts arrestees at any time. The booking process includes initial arrival and search, identification and fingerprinting, medical screening, photographing, property inventory and assignment of a booking number.

Under Colorado law, arrestees have the right to a first appearance bond hearing within 48 hours of arrest. Colorado bail reform laws enacted in 2019 emphasize non-monetary conditions for low-level, non-violent offenses to reduce pretrial incarceration for those unable to afford bail.

For cases involving multiple offenses or violent charges including protection order violations, a judge determines whether bail will be offered and under what terms, considering risk assessment and statutory guidelines.

The charges are accusations by law enforcement, and the suspect must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.