New law in Minnesota toughens penalties for those who assault reserve law officials

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A new law takes effect Monday in Minnesota that toughens penalties for those who assault reserve law enforcement officers, utility workers and mail carriers.

Fleeing a police officer becomes a more serious crime under some circumstances. Penalties are increased if a criminal abandons the vehicle in which they've been fleeing from an officer and continues on foot, and the officer is then seriously hurt or killed.

The legislation was prompted by the death of Minneapolis Park Police Officer Mark Bedard, who was hit by a car while chasing a suspect. Bedard's widow Andrea Mathieu says nothing can bring her husband back, but it's nice to feel they can now be supported with the legislation.

Tags: news, minnesota, crime