Visalia Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Attempted Murder
Today in Department 5 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Juliet Boccone sentenced Paul Brian Ward, age 43, to life in prison for the attempted murder a Visalia Police Department officer in 2017. On November 25, 2019, a jury found Ward guilty of attempted murder of a police officer, assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, attempted weapon removal, assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, attempted criminal threats, misdemeanor battery against an EMT, and two counts of misdemeanor battery.
Just before 2 pm on July 30, 2017, Visalia Police Department officers arrived at a residence for reports of a disturbance. According to witnesses, Ward was in the home when he became irate and began to hit people.
When officers arrived, they found Ward outside completely naked and subdued by a number of witnesses, one of whom was bleeding from the nose and had sustained other injuries. As medical personnel attempted to treat Ward, he kicked an EMT in the groin and began to attack the officers, punching and kicking them.
After numerous demands to comply, officers tased Ward with little effect. One officer produced his baton and Ward moved toward him and grabbed ahold of it. During the struggle, Ward punched the officer in the face. Ward was then able to sweep around the officer with his arm and began to choke him. According to witnesses, Ward used his free hand to go for the officer’s firearm. The officer broke free when another officer struck Ward with a baton. Officers were then able to wrestle Ward to the ground and take him into custody.
Under current California law, Ward must serve 12 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Avrohom Feinstein and was investigated by Visalia Police Department.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Robert Dempsie (559) 636-5494