A Ferguson, Missouri, police officer is "fighting for his life" after being assaulted during protests marking the 10th anniversary of the justified officer-involved shooting death of Michael Brown.
The assault took place Friday night outside the Ferguson Police Department after a demonstration commemorating Brown's death turned violent and destructive, Police Chief Troy Doyle told USA Today.
Officer Travis Brown and other officers began attempting to make arrests in response to protestors damaging a fence that protected a police station, Doyle said. A protester charged Officer Brown when he attempted to make an arrest, causing him to fall and hit his head and leaving him with a "severe brain injury," Doyle added.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Elijah Gantt, 28, with first-degree assault, resisting arrest, property damage, and two counts of fourth-degree assault.
Officer Brown has served the Ferguson Police Department since Jan. 2, according to Doyle. The police chief said Brown was the kind of officer the community wanted on the force.
Officer Brown got into this job because he was inspired to do the right thing. He wanted to be a part of the change, he wanted to make an impact in our community, and what happens? He gets assaulted," Doyle said.
Travis Brown, 36, joined the Ferguson police force at the start of this year, after working for 11 years with the St. Louis County Police. While on the county police force, he worked for a time on its Special Response Unit, KXAN reports.
