Prosecutors moved Thursday to dismiss a felony assault charge filed against former Broncos coach Michael Wilhoite, citing plans to downgrade to a misdemeanor charge and pursue the case in county court.
Wilhoite was fired in February for allegedly punching a police officer in the face after leaving his vehicle unattended in the departures lane outside of Denver International Airport.
When confronted about his vehicle by an officer, Wilhoite twice told the officer to “shut the (expletive) up” and bumped his chest into the officer, according to his arrest affidavit. When the officer shoved Wilhoite back, the ex-Broncos coach punched the man in the face, police said.
The officer fired his Taser at Wilhoite, striking his left side. Wilhoite was shocked for a few seconds before getting into his car and driving away, police said.
Wilhoite was charged in the incident with second-degree assault of a peace officer, a felony. He also faced misdemeanor charges of obstructing a peace officer and criminal mischief.
The case was being prosecuted in Denver District Court because of the felony charge. Now that prosecutors have dismissed the felony case in favor of misdemeanor charges, it will be pursued in Denver County Court.
Prosecutors did not specify which charges they planned to file against Wilhoite in the new case and did not elaborate on the decision to dismiss the felony charge. As of Thursday morning, the new case had not yet appeared on the county court docket.
The dismissed felony case will be sealed, Denver District Court Judge Martin Egelhoff said during the Thursday morning hearing.
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