The suspect in the attack on a Ferguson police officer appears in court Thursday

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – The suspect accused of pushing a Ferguson police officer, causing him to be seriously injured, appeared in St. Louis County Court on Thursday.

Elijah Gantt, 28, is charged with first-degree assault for seriously injuring Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown. He is also accused of several misdemeanors. During a court conference Thursday, the court approved new legal advice for Gantt.

Defense attorney Ryan Krupp said in a statement to First Alert 4 what happened to the officer was tragic.

“It is important to understand that we are all on the side of Officer Brown’s recovery, health and well-being. He and his family are in all our prayers. In this case there are two undeniable truths; First, what happened to Officer Brown was a tragic outcome. Second, tragic outcomes do not imply tragic intent.

Elijah is not a monster, a gangster or a thug. He is a young man who is active in his church and community and walks through an uncertain future with a bright smile. His humanity cannot be defined by analyzing a split-second perceptual response event that led to this tragic outcome.

Mr. Topping and I will ensure that Elijah faces a full and vigorous defense while maintaining the decency and respect that should be shown to people in all aisles.”

Officer Brown is still recovering from his injuries. The next hearing on Gantt is scheduled for December 12th.

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