District Attorney Thom LeDoux has filed a motion requesting a special prosecutor to handle the assault case involving City Councilman Colby Katchmar.
Katchmar, 54, and local artist Thomas Lockhart, 59, both were arrested Thursday night on suspicion of first-degree assault and crimes against at-risk adults near Sixth and Main streets after a reported altercation with an elderly couple.
LeDoux said he filed the motion because he knows Katchmar well and Katchmar was a contributor to his election campaign.
If the judge grants LeDoux’s motion during a hearing Wednesday, the Pueblo District Attorney’s office has agreed to take the case. That office will complete the case review and determine what charges will be filed. The case will still move through the Fremont County District Court.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Cañon City police officers were dispatched at 9 p.m. to Michael’s on Main for an altercation. Robert Martin, 70, and Margene Martin, 65, allege Katchmar had “bugged her all night” during the wine-tasting event. She alleged he called her and her husband foul names and attempted to block them from leaving the establishment. The report states the couple went around Katchmar, exited the building and later heard him yell an obscenity at them.
According to the affidavit, Lockhart told officers he saw Katchmar being attacked by the couple and he stepped in to help. The Martins were treated and released at St. Thomas More Hospital. The affidavit said Margene suffered “serious bodily injuries,” including a hip fracture and a welt under her eye.
Both men posted $30,000 bonds Friday morning and are scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.
