Cops Outraged After Bail For Man Accused Of Attacking Deputy, Slamming Her Head

SAINT PAUL, MN — Minnesota’s two largest law enforcement organizations are condemning what they called an "outrageously low" bail order for a man accused of violently attacking an Anoka County sheriff’s deputy during a burglary response in Ham Lake.

The incident happened at 8:17 p.m. Nov. 6, when deputies responded to a home near the 16600 block of 5th Street NE on a report of a man trying to force his way inside, according to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

Dispatchers reported the suspect was acting erratically, yelling unintelligibly, sweating heavily, and wearing only underwear.

A responding deputy arrived and ordered the man to the ground. After initially complying, the suspect suddenly got up and charged at her, authorities said.

She deployed her Taser, but the man closed the distance, lifted her off the ground by her belt and vest, and slammed her headfirst onto the driveway.

The suspect continued attacking the deputy on the ground, repeatedly punching her and grabbing her equipment, before backup arrived and helped take him into custody, according to the sheriff’s office.

The deputy suffered a head injury and was treated at a hospital before being released. She is now recovering at home.

The suspect was identified as Robert J. Kozicky, 41, of Ham Lake. He faces three felony charges: fourth-degree assault on a peace officer causing demonstrable bodily harm, first-degree burglary of an occupied dwelling, and third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm.

Kozicky was booked into the Anoka County Jail on Nov. 7 and released on Nov. 9, according to jail records. His court appearance resulted in bail being set at $75,000 unconditional or $10,000 with conditions, allowing him to post the lower amount and walk out days after the assault.

That decision drew sharp criticism from Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA), which issued a joint statement calling the bail “indefensible.”

“An officer followed training, did everything right, and was nearly killed,” LELS Executive Director Jim Mortenson said. “To see someone accused of violently slamming a deputy’s head into pavement and walk out on $10,000 bail is outrageous. It tells every officer in Minnesota that their safety is negotiable.”

MPPOA Interim Executive Director David Titus said the bail amount “doesn’t reflect the danger or brutality” involved.

The groups said the deputy was "victimized twice." First by the attack and then by a bail order they say minimizes the severity of the assault.

They are calling for a review of the bail decision and stronger protections for peace officers statewide.

Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise said the deputy “acted with extreme courage” and showed “exceptional resilience” by continuing to assist her partners despite her injuries.

Kozicky’s next court date has not yet been listed.