State Rep. Mike Mueller today led the House in approving a plan to support law enforcement officers by increasing the penalty for criminals who disarm a police officer.

Mueller, R-Linden, said a criminal who commits an unarmed robbery could currently be punished more severely than an individual who attempts to disarm a police officer. His legislation would change that.

“Anyone who attacks an officer and tries to take their weapon has the intent to kill them,” Mueller said. “When a suspect reaches for an officer’s gun, it’s an attempt to turn the officer’s own weapon against them. We owe it to our law enforcement officers to treat that threat with the seriousness it deserves.”

Mueller, a retired sheriff’s deputy, speaks from experience. During his years of service, suspects attempted to disarm him on two separate occasions.

“As someone who’s been in that situation, I can tell you it’s one of the most dangerous moments an officer can face,” Mueller said. “My goal is to send a clear message that we will not tolerate violent criminals endangering the lives of the men and women who protect our communities.”

House Bills 5079-5080 would make it a 15-year felony to take a firearm from a police officer or corrections officer through the use of force or violence. The current maximum penalty is 10 years.

The bills now advance to the Senate for further consideration.