February 21, 2020
Media Contact
Public Information Unit, 303-441-1500
51-year-old male arrested outside of Niwot High School
Boulder County, Colo. - On Thursday, February 20, 2020, at approximately 12:00 p.m., a male identified as 51-year-old Erik Hecht-Nielson went to Niwot High School, located at 8989 Niwot Rd., unincorporated Boulder County.
While at the school he requested to speak to a former athletic coach and was told that they were unavailable. He was referred to contact the athletic director for the St. Vrain Valley School District. Mr. Hecht-Nielson left the school, but then returned a short time later.
Mr. Hecht-Nielson was approached outside the front of the school by a campus security member and asked if he needed help. Mr. Hecht-Nielson began shouting profanities, sprinted towards the front door and made a threatening posture toward the campus security member. He tried to force entry into the school and was restrained.
Mr. Hecht-Nielson was taken into custody and charged with the following:
- Third degree assault - M1
- Obstructing a peace officer - M2
- Resisting arrest - M2
- Interference with school functions - M3
- Trespass and disorderly conduct- P1
Mr. Hecht-Nielson was unarmed and there were no injuries to school staff or the deputies that were on-scene. However, Mr. Hecht-Nielson sustained a minor injury during the altercation. He was treated and released from a local hospital before being arrested.
Although the reasons for the disturbance are still unknown, at this time there is no reason to believe that any students were in danger or targets of his actions.
The incident is still under investigation by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office. The associated case number #20-946.
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/s/ Sergeant Bill Crist #516