A St. Paul man was sentenced Monday to 8½ years in prison for assaulting a St. Paul police officer so badly that she left the force with long-lasting injuries.
Thomas J. Swenson, 35, was convicted in June of first-degree assault, fourth-degree assault and obstructing the legal process for attacking officer Felicia Reilly.
Reilly responded to a call in 2010 at Swenson's home. He lived with his parents.
Swenson's mother said that Swenson was threatening them, that he had been drinking and that he had stopped taking medication for his bipolar disorder.
Swenson ignored Reilly's orders, punched her and kicked her in the back of her head several times.
Swenson's parents testified that Reilly was injured when she tripped on furniture and fell in the home.
Reilly suffers long-term injuries, including near-constant migraines and double vision.
CHAO XIONG
