PHOENIX — A 23-year-old protestor involved in an anti-ICE demonstration has been charged with three felony offenses following an assault on a Peoria police sergeant earlier this week, authorities confirmed Friday.
Tyler Hitte allegedly attacked the officer while she was assisting federal agents with a drug investigation near 67th and Peoria avenues on Tuesday. According to police, Hitte was seen on video wrapping yellow protest tape around the officer before striking her with a metal water bottle.
The situation escalated when Hitte resisted arrest from several officers at the scene. After a brief struggle, officers used a Taser to subdue him before placing him under arrest. He was taken into custody and later released under court-ordered pretrial supervision.
Prosecutors from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office have charged Hitte with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of resisting arrest, all of which are classified as felonies. His next court appearance is set for June 25.
Officials also revealed that Hitte is facing an additional criminal charge related to his participation in a protest on the Arizona State University campus last year, further compounding his legal troubles.
Law enforcement leaders emphasized that while peaceful protest is a protected right, violence against officers will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
