Grisham Found Guilty of Interfering With Duties of Police Officer

After his first trial ended with a hung jury,  U.S. Army Master Sgt. Christopher “C.J.” Grisham of Temple was found guilty Tuesday of interfering with the duties of a Temple police officer.

The jury deliberated for two hours before returning with a guilty verdict in the Class A misdemeanor case. Grisham could face up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. The punishment phase begins Wednesday at 9 a.m.

The charges stemmed from a March 16 incident in which Grisham was stopped by Temple officer Steve Ernis while hiking with his son. Grisham was carrying an AR-15 rifle and a concealed handgun for which he had a permit. A concerned resident had called authorities after spotting Grisham with the rifle, after which he was confronted by the officer.

Things became heated between the two men, and a cellphone video of Grisham’s arrest was later uploaded to the internet, attracting the attention of gun rights organizations and the media.