A man from Colorado was taken into custody for reportedly tailing a television journalist in his taxi for 40 miles and then assaulting him outside the journalist’s workplace by strangling him and questioning his American citizenship.
On December 18, Patrick Egan allegedly confronted Ja’Ronn Alex, a reporter for KKCO/KJCT, at a traffic light in Grand Junction. Egan purportedly yelled, “Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine, and I swore to defend this nation from individuals like you!” according to The Associated Press.
Alex is of Pacific Island descent but was born in Detroit, according to his bio on the station web page. It’s not known if Egan was really a Marine.
Following the confrontation at the traffic light, Egan pursued and physically assaulted Alex, insisting on seeing his identification, after Alex exited his vehicle at the station. Colleagues at the station stepped in to help Alex, and a portion of the assault was reportedly captured on surveillance footage, as detailed in the police report.
Alex was driving a marked station vehicle at the time.
Kelly Millan, general manager of Egan’s employer Sunshine Rides, said the company had suspended the driver, KKCO reported.
“This type of behavior has no place in our society and I strongly condemn it,” Millan said in a statement. “I deeply regret the harm and disruption this has caused the victim, his family and co-workers. Sunshine Rides has suspended Egan pending a full investigation, will assist law enforcement and will use this incident to re-emphasize our core values and expectations with our entire team.”
Egan, meanwhile, charged arrested on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second degree assault, and harassment and given a $20,000 bond. He is due to appear in court on Thursday, when prosecutors will have decided whether to formally charge him.
