Ronald Bobbitt, the Bonney Lake resident who made news earlier this year by obtaining a restraining order against members of the Bonney Lake Police Department, was convicted by a jury July 27 on one count of obstructing a public officer and one count of resisting arrest.

The charges stem from a March 13 traffic stop in which Bobbitt and his sister Melissa Smith-St. John were arrested and accused the officers involved of “profiling.”

The two-day trial at Bonney Lake Municipal Court included testimony from Bobbitt, as well as the three officers involved, Sean Scott, James Keller and Eric Alfano.

After all testimony was heard, the jury deliberated for less than hour and returned guilty verdicts on both counts.

Judge Ronald Heslop continued Bobbitt’s sentencing until Sept. 8.

Earlier this month, Smith-St. John agreed to a stipulated order of continuance for one year on her charge of obstruction. The one-year order means that if she complies with conditions imposed by the court, her charges will be dropped at the end of the year.

During the original incident, officers pulled over Bobbitt and Smith-St. John after seeing him make a turn onto 221st Avenue East without using his turn signal. Bobbitt lives on 221st Avenue East.

A supplemental report states that the area is known for “narcotics trafficking.”

The report states that Bobbitt stopped in the middle of 221st and got out of his vehicle. When officers told him to get back in the car, he allegedly drove into his driveway at the end of the street.

Bobbitt was uncooperative and insulting, according to the report, and failed to follow instructions. At one point, Bobbit tried to exit his vehicle and police attempted to keep him inside.

At that point, officers pulled Bobbitt to the ground and a struggle began. Police were unable to get handcuffs on Bobbitt until Alfano struck him twice between the shoulder blades.

Smith was arrested after she attempted to exit the vehicle during the struggle.

Bobbitt and Smith-St. John dispute the official account of the officers involved and alleged that officers overstepped their bounds.

Bonney Lake Police Chief Mike Mitchell said the court decision vindicated the department after the restraining order was granted.

“From the start I believed and supported the officers,” he said, adding that the officers involved did what was necessary.

“I believe the jury agreed with that,” he said.

Mitchell said an internal investigation of the incident was not conducted. Mitchell cited his belief that an investigation would have been a “waste of money,” pending the outcome of the trial, because of previous allegations made by Bobbitt that were also dismissed.

Smith-St. John is due back in court Aug. 11 to confirm her order of continuance and Bobbitt is due back Sept. 8 for sentencing.