Leesburg Man Gets 5 Years for Head-butting Police Officer

A Loudoun judge today sentenced Chris Allen Lanham, 24, of Leesburg, to a five-year prison sentence, with 30 months suspended, for head-butting an officer in an October 2012 incident that resulted in permanent brain injuries. 

On Oct. 6, 2012, officers with the Leesburg Police Department responded to reports of a fight between two brothers.

Upon arrival, Lanham began to yell, curse and make fist in a manner threatening to the officers, according to information provided by the Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

The officers believed Lanham was inebriated and placed him under arrest for being drunk in public. As they escorted him to a police cruiser, Lanham attempted to pull away and head-butted an officer, resulting in a laceration above the officer’s eye as well as brain injury, according to a report about the incident.

During sentencing, the now former officer explained how the incident has permanently affected his life, from ending his career to causing constant headaches, vision problems and memory loss.

“Law enforcement officers respond to private domestic disputes daily,” said Judge Alfred D. Swersky prior to sentencing Lanham. “These officers put their lives and fortunes on the line and a loud message needs to be sent to the community that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.” 

Swersky imposed a five-year sentence, with two and half years suspended. Upon release, Lanham will remain under probation for five years.