A man throws small objects at his neighbor”s house in Colorado Springs, Colo. (KRDO).
In Colorado, a man has been taken into custody following allegations of property damage and making disturbing threats towards his neighbor’s family, according to local law enforcement.
The suspect, identified as Alex Muller, faces charges of criminal mischief, assaulting a police officer, obstruction, and violating a mandatory protection order, as reported by the Colorado Springs Police Department.
The tension between Muller and his neighbors had reportedly been simmering for some time, but it boiled over into a serious incident on March 24 at a home on Bellcove Circle, Colorado Springs.
At approximately 3:15 p.m. that day, the residents called 911, claiming they had video evidence of Muller causing damage to their property. These details were corroborated by reports from Colorado Springs’ ABC affiliate KRDO and Fox affiliate KXRM.
In a shocking turn, Muller allegedly made a graphic threat, saying, “I want to see your grandkid’s intestines all over the road,” according to police statements.
However, authorities have noted discrepancies regarding the precise language of the alleged threat.
In a separate review of some video footage from the incident, a man dressed in black says: “I want to see your children’s intestines draped over this wall,” according to KRDO.
In the footage, the same man is seen throwing several small objects over the privacy fence at the house next door.
After the TV station reached out to police, the department reportedly suggested the discrepancy was a distinction without much difference because the statement was about bodily harm to a child.
When officers responded to the scene, Muller allegedly acted aggressively toward police, authorities said. The department said the defendant was in violation of a protective order “stemming from a previous domestic violence case” at the defendant’s own residence.
Police also noted that the home of the alleged victims had been put up for sale due to a series of extensive and escalating problems.
After confirming Muller was in violation of the order, officers tried to make contact and serve warrants but were instead taunted by the defendant and his father, Erick Muller, police said. The pair allegedly made hand gestures like they were shooting at officers and repeatedly told the officers to “take out their guns and shoot themselves in the mouth and do the world a favor.”
The comments escalated the confrontation.
After establishing a perimeter using vehicles and shields, the elder Muller surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody, served and released for misdemeanor interference, police said.
The younger Muller, however, allegedly stayed inside for awhile.
Eventually, officers spotted the defendant at the side door of the garage and police fired a 40mm round of pepper spray, police said. The projectile hit the door, the round shattered, and several pieces struck him in the face, causing what police called minor injuries.
“This allowed officers to use tactics to advance with K9, push him to the ground, and take him into custody without further incident,” according to the police department.
The defendant was first taken to a hospital for treatment before being detained in the El Paso County Jail.
Jail records currently do not list him as an inmate.
In comments to KRDO, the Muller family disputed the allegations against the defendant, saying they were false and that the family was exploring their legal options going forward.
