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Local man appears in court in mail carrier case
Herald Staff Writer
Byron Jay Neff wore a jail-issued jumpsuit and appeared frail and shaking. He answered routine questions from County Judge Martha Minot about whether he understood his rights.
According to an arrest affidavit, Neff, 57, was sitting outside his home at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday at 2711 Delwood Ave. when a mail carrier handed him the mail. Neff was holding a rifle at the time.
Seana Brandon, the mail carrier, said "hello," and handed Neff the mail.
"She said she wasn't surprised to see the rifle at first, as several people in this area possess weapons," the affidavit said.
Neff took the mail and said, "Gracias."
Brandon said, "Have a nice day," and went to the next house. She then heard Neff yelling, "Get off my property; don't go in my yard," according to the arrest affidavit. At first she thought he was talking to a dog. He then said, "I'll take this (expletive) mail and shove it up your (expletive). I don't want any (expletive) mail; don't come around here anymore."
Brandon became fearful and fled the area to call 911.
A police negotiator convinced Neff, who apparently went back inside after Brandon left, to surrender and come outside.
"Mr. Neff appeared to be extremely intoxicated, with bloodshot watering eyes, slurred speech and a strong smell of an alcoholic beverage on his breath," the affidavit says.
Durango Police Department Officer Tricia Hutchens drove Neff to Mercy Regional Medical Center for a routine medical clearance, and en route Neff threatened the officer.
"Your gonna (expletive) die, and there's nothing you can do about it," he allegedly said. "I'm gonna (expletive) kill you."
Neff seemed surprised Friday to learn he might be charged with threatening a police officer.
He was being held Friday in the La Plata County Jail on suspicion of felony menacing and prohibited use of a firearm.
Formal charges are expected to be filed at 9 a.m. Thursday in District Court.
shane@durangoherald.com
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