Man Sentenced to 70 Months Following Unprovoked Attack on Hillsboro Police Officer
In a shocking incident that occurred on August 19, 2022, a man named Jose Juan Mandujano-Aguilar launched an unprovoked attack on Lieutenant Neil Potter near the Hillsboro Police Department. The assailant’s actions left Lieutenant Potter with a concussion and broken nose, as he relentlessly reached for the officer’s service weapon during the altercation. As a result, Lieutenant Potter was forced to defend himself, ultimately shooting Mandujano-Aguilar three times in the face and head.
Following an extensive investigation by the Washington County Major Crimes Team, the district attorney’s office determined in July that Lieutenant Potter had acted in self-defense, justifying his use of deadly force. Consequently, the charges of attempted murder and assaulting a public safety officer against Mandujano-Aguilar were dismissed. However, Mandujano-Aguilar did plead guilty to second-degree assault, leading to his sentencing of 70 months in prison.
During the court proceedings, Chief Deputy District Attorney Bracken McKey presented the case against Mandujano-Aguilar, while Washington County Circuit Court Judge Eric Butterfield presided over the trial. The severity of the attack and subsequent legal actions underscore the importance of holding individuals accountable for their violent actions against law enforcement officers.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by police officers in the line of duty and highlights the significance of upholding justice and ensuring the safety of those who protect and serve our communities. The sentencing of Mandujano-Aguilar reflects the seriousness of his crime and serves as a deterrent against future acts of aggression towards law enforcement.
The Hillsboro Police Department and law enforcement agencies across the country are committed to promoting the safety and well-being of officers while upholding the rule of law. The sentencing of Mandujano-Aguilar sends a clear message that unprovoked attacks on police officers will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
As communities strive for improved police-community relations, incidents like these serve as a crucial reminder of the mutual respect and cooperation necessary for maintaining a safe and secure society. It is essential for individuals to understand that violence towards law enforcement officers only undermines that goal and perpetuates a cycle of hostility.
Moving forward, it is hoped that this sentencing will contribute to creating an environment where all members of society value and respect the dedicated men and women who ensure the safety and security of our communities. By ensuring justice is served, society can foster a climate of trust and collaboration between police officers and the communities they serve.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Jose Juan Mandujano-Aguilar to 70 months in prison following his unprovoked attack on Lieutenant Neil Potter sends a resounding message that acts of violence against law enforcement will face severe consequences. This case serves as an important example of the commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting those who risk their lives to protect our society.
