Boulder police officer to face attempted first degree murder charge

Boulder police have issued an arrest warrant for Boulder police officer Christian McCracken, who has been in custody at the Broomfield County Jail since he was arrested last weekend on domestic violence-related charges.

 McCracken had previously sustained a head injury at the hands of Trevan Hunter, a CU student who’d refuse to to leave The Sink, a popular Boulder restaurant, or pay his $3 bar tab.

McCracken was arrested by Broomfield police in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 28 after allegedly stalking and harassing his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend, both of whom are dispatchers at the Boulder Police Department.

At the time of McCracken’s arrest, Boulder police began a criminal investigation into information that he may have planned and taken a significant step toward committing a homicide against the new boyfriend. After consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, it was agreed that probable cause existed to obtain an additional arrest warrant.

“While we are concerned and saddened by the need to arrest one of our own officers, we are primarily focused with the safety of our employees and members of the community,” said Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner.  “As information became available, it became increasingly apparent that we needed to act quickly.  Our detectives, in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office, did a great job in putting this case together.”

McCracken was arrested at the Broomfield County Jail this morning on new charges of suspicion of Attempted First Degree Murder (one count), two counts of Stalking and one count of Harassment.

The case number is 12-5679.

At this time, McCracken will remain in custody at the Broomfield County Jail. His bond has been set at $500,000. Boulder police are also conducting an internal personnel investigation into the case.