Conroe man sentenced to 10 years for ATV assault

Joseph Charles Lynch

Joseph Charles Lynch, of Conroe, was sentenced Jan. 18 to 10 years in prison for assaulting a Shenandoah police officer.

Walker County visiting Judge Jerry Sandel announced the sentence after Lynch pleaded guilty to first-degree assault on a public servant, a felony.

Aggravated assault of a peace officer is punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Lynch was riding his all-terrain vehicle in Shenandoah on Dec. 30, 2010, when he evaded police attempting to stop him. He then stopped long enough for patrol Sgt. Raymond Shaw to exit his vehicle and approach, according to police.

Lynch then ran over Shaw, injuring his leg and shoulder, and fled without offering assistance, police said.

A police investigation led to Lynch's arrest on Jan. 2, 2011.

“We are delighted that Raymond was finally able to return to his patrol duties after multiple surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy,” said Shenandoah Chief of Police John R. Chancellor in a press release.