By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
A Yukon man who assaulted Geary’s police chief outside a Yukon restaurant this spring has waived his right to a trial and pleaded guilty.
Angel Benjamin Zendejas, 24, received a five-year deferred sentence at a Sept. 20th hearing in Canadian County District Court.
Zendejas was charged May 25 with assault and battery on a police officer and domestic abuse stemming from an incident eight days earlier at Alfredo’s Mexican restaurant, 1751 Garth Brooks Blvd.
Prosecutors said Zendejas “willfully and unlawfully” struck Geary Police Chief Cecil Harrall “on his inner left arm by biting him with the intent to injure” – knowing Harrall was a police officer performing the duties of a police officer.
Zendejas appeared Sept. 20 with attorney Brian Glass to enter guilty plea on both counts. He waived his right to a trial.
Canadian County District Judge Paul Hesse accepted the defendant’s pleas and found him guilty of the crimes.
Pursuant to a plea agreement, Judge Hesse deferred sentencing until Sept. 19, 2027.
Zendejas was ordered to pay $200 in fines and $200 in victim’s compensation assessments.
He will be supervised by the state Department of Corrections while on probation.
The defendant had faced up to five years in prison and/or a $500 fine on the felony officer assault charge.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Yukon Police Sgt. Shelly George was dispatched May 17 to 1751 Garth Brooks Blvd. on a reported disturbance.
George spoke with victim Harrall, who told the Yukon officer he was sitting in his vehicle waiting for his family when he heard a female screaming and running around the building.
“Harrall’s son let the female into the place of business,” according to a probable cause affidavit signed by Sgt. George. “Zendejas appeared shortly after, and Harrall exited his vehicle making contact.
“Zendejas told Harrall to call the police. Harrall informed Zendejas he was the police and produced his badge.”
Zendejas then “bowed up” and lunged at the Geary police chief. They ended up on the ground wrestling and Zendejas bit Chief Harrall on arm.
Harrall held Zendejas to the ground until Yukon police officers arrived on scene.
Zendejas had committed an assault and battery on a woman he was dating, prosecutors alleged.
He faced up to one year in prison and/or a $5,000 fine on the misdemeanor domestic abuse charge.
