Minneapolis SWAT team leader faces first-degree assault charge (Video released)

Star Tribune
Jul. 18, 2012

Wow, you have to see this video, sure enough this terrorist punched him because he was talking on his cell phone loudly and that for some reason put this psychotic lunatic into a rage. After his murder attempt you can see him run away from the crime scene as well, yet for whatever reason he's not being charged with fleeing the scene of the crime. This is the type of ruthless criminal who gravitates to "law enforcement," anyone who says these criminals are here "to protect us" and not to rule over us is a clueless moron. - ChrisMinneapolis police Sgt. David Clifford, a SWAT team leader once lauded by the United Nations for the "highest level of dedication and professionalism," was charged with first-degree assault Tuesday in an off-duty incident last month that left a Ramsey man temporarily on life support.

Brian Vander Lee, who had two brain surgeries after the alleged assault at Tanners Station in Andover on June 16, has been recovering at home since undergoing a third surgery, on July 4. The latest operation became necessary after an earlier incision erupted, leading to an infection, Anoka County prosecutor Blair Buccicone said on Tuesday.

Clifford, 47, who has been a member of the Minneapolis Police Department since 1993, was originally charged with third-degree assault, a felony. Asked why the charges were upgraded, Buccicone said: "If there hadn't been medical intervention, Brian Vander Lee likely would have died."

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