The Jeffco District Attorney’s Office continues its investigation of the facts and circumstances regarding the alleged assault of Mr. Lakhwant Singh, a Lakewood business owner and member of the Sikh community. As a result, District Attorney Pete Weir has determined that additional information supports the filing of a class 5 felony Bias-Motivated crime (hate crime) against Eric Breemen, DOB: 12-30-83. That charge was filed on July 21, 2020.
Recently investigators from the DA’s office, working in conjunction with the FBI, were able to interview Mr. Singh, the victim in this case, in-person, after he was released from the hospital. This interview was delayed because of the severity of Mr. Singh’s injuries, his lengthy hospitalization (65 days), and the restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID19 pandemic,
On April 29, 2020, Lakewood police were called to the Two Angels Liquor Store, at 2589 S. Lewis Way, on a report of a man who had been run over by a car. According to the arrest affidavit, when police arrived they found Mr. Singh with obvious serious injuries, lying in the parking lot. He was transported to a hospital. Witnesses said the suspect drove at a fast speed directly towards Mr. Singh, hit him, and ran over him. The investigation led Lakewood police to Eric Breemen.
Breemen was on bond in another felony case at the time of this offense.
In addition to the Bias-Motivated crime, Breemen has been charged with 16 counts including Attempted Murder, which is a class 2 felony.
“This is a very serious case and another example of the challenges we face in the criminal justice system during this public health emergency,” said DA Pete Weir, “We would have preferred to have had an opportunity to speak with Mr. Singh personally closer to the time of his assault as we made decisions in this case. However, the severity of Mr. Singh’s injuries and health concerns related to the pandemic only recently permitted a thorough, in-person, interview with Mr. Singh by law enforcement. I recognize the intense interest in this case in the Sikh community and the associated public outcry from members of the Sikh community and their supporters, but all decisions regarding the bringing of criminal charges are predicated upon the facts and the law. Because of our on-going investigation, additional facts have been presented to law enforcement which have led to the filing of the Bias-Motivated crime charge today.”
Eric Breemen is being held at the Jefferson County jail on $50,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 24 at 8:30 a.m.
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