The following is a press release issued by the Fort Bragg Police Department. This has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On July 25, 2023 at approximately 3:43 AM, officers were dispatched to the Boatyard Shopping Center on the report of male threatening employees with a stick. The male had also threatened to kill some of the employees, vandalized multiple vehicles and attempted to carjack a victim in a car in the parking lot. Officers arrived and located Jason Colson, 39 years, of Fort Bragg, armed with two wooden batons. Colson immediately took an aggressive stance and threatened officers.
Colson began walking away from officers despite repeated commands. When he turned and again acted aggressively towards officers, a TASER was deployed. Unfortunately, it was not successful, and Colson fled towards SR 20 with officers in pursuit.
Deputies from MCSO heard the radio traffic and immediately responded to assist. Colson again aggressed officers and deputies and another TASER deployment was attempted, but was again unsuccessful. Officers and deputies chased Colson southbound on SR1 to the middle of the Hare Creek Bridge, where Colson threatened to jump if officers did not leave him alone.
Traffic was stopped at the Hare Creek Bridge in both directions while FBPD officers de-escalated and negotiated with Colson, who was still armed, for nearly two hours. In the end, Colson dropped the batons and surrendered to officers peacefully.
Captain Thomas O’Neal said, “The restraint and professionalism of our officers was evident. This could have had a tragic outcome for many had the officers not had the training and patience they do. I would also like to thank our partners in the Sheriff’s Office, who assisted without request for the entire event. It takes teamwork like this for a successful ending.”
Colson was booked in the Mendocino County Jail for 245(a)(4) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon; 664/215 PC – Attempt Carjacking; 594(b)(1) PC – Felony Vandalism; 422(a) PC – Criminal Threats; 69(a) PC – Resist/Obstruct Officer; 211 PC – Robbery; and 22210 PC – Illegal Possession of a Baton.
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact Ofc Beak of the Fort Bragg olice Department at (707)961-2800 ext 224.
This information is being released by Chief Neil Cervenka. All media inquiries should contact him at ncervenka@fortbragg.com.
