Investigators from the Boulder Police Department have arrested a suspect in connection with a life-threatening assault that occurred in the early hours of March 6, at the southeast corner of 11th and Walnut streets. The suspect, Eric Anthony Bustillos, 21, turned himself in on March 17, after detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest.
The suspect was identified after police released a composite sketch prepared by a witness and shared information about the crime with the University of Colorado Police Department. An e-mail sent out by UCPD resulted in a significant tip.
According to police reports, the victim, Charles Gonsher, and a friend had left the Walrus Saloon and were attempting to get a cab when they got into a confrontation with a group of three men. Bustillos is accused of punching the victim in the face, causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness.
Gonsher, 23, remained unconscious for several minutes, and according to doctors who treated him, he suffered brain hemorrhaging as well as broken facial bones and likely would have died if not seen quickly by medical personnel. He is expected to need additional surgery.
Bustillos was booked into the Boulder County Jail on a charge of second-degree assault.
