A 23-year-old Air Force veteran who attacked two Douglas County sheriff's deputies while he was under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail.
Brian Langdon apologized to the deputies who attended the sentencing, and said he had respect for authority. He blamed his behavior March 8, 2007, on the effect of psilocybin in the mushrooms.
His lawyer, John Routsis of Reno, said Langdon had an undiagnosed bipolar condition and used the mushrooms to make himself feel better.
"When he's in a manic state, he doesn't know what's going on," Routsis said. "He had no indication who anybody was."
Since his arrest, Langdon has been undergoing counseling and treatment for the disorder.
Deputies B.J. Tooker and Jarrod Guilford were called to Langdon's apartment complex after a next-door neighbor found him naked and bleeding in his residence.
Deputies said the apartment was in disarray and Langdon appeared to be oblivious to their presence.
It took deputies 10 minutes to subdue him, and both were injured in the process.
An officer pepper-sprayed Langdon in the face without effect, and finally subdued the suspect with a chokehold.
In their victim impact statement to Judge Michael Gibbons, the officers said Langdon had no idea how close they came to using deadly force.
"I want to express my gratitude to both deputies for not resorting to deadly force," Langdon said. "I've worked arduously for the last year to figure out what happened.
"I served an integral part in the War on Terror. I value my life and I understand they would have easily resorted to deadly force. I respect their authority. It is nothing I would ever challenge."
Gibbons sentenced Langdon to 30 days in Douglas County Jail and gave him credit for five days. On the recommendation of the District Attorney's Office, Gibbons turned down a proposal to place Langdon in mental health court with the possibility the gross misdemeanor could be dismissed.
Assistant District Attorney Michael McCormick rejected mental health court because of the violent nature of the offense.
"They don't want people in mental health court unless the prosecution thinks it's a good idea. We think it's a terrible idea. He made a conscious decision to take the mushrooms, go crazy that night, and injure two of our officers," McCormick said.
One officer suffered swelling and soreness to his head and a knee injury. The other officer injured his right hand, left elbow and had small cuts and scratches to both hands. They said Langdon tried to bite them.
Both officers were covered with Langdon's blood, but toxicology reports came back clean for hepatitis, the HIV virus and other diseases.
Gibbons set a review for six months and ordered Langdon to send monthly progress reports to court.
He suspended a one-year sentence in Douglas County Jail and placed Langdon on two years probation.
He must abstain from drugs and alcohol with the exception of prescribed medication.
Langdon also was ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.
