GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Despite support from friends and receiving services for his mental health, Judge JenniLynn Lawrence wasn’t convinced to lower Patrick Egan’s bail.

Egan, 39, is accused of assaulting KKCO/KJCT reporter Ja’Ronn Alex, 22, on Dec. 18. Egan allegedly followed Alex from Delta to Grand Junction before asking Alex at a stoplight, “Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trump’s America Now. I’m a marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you.” He later tackled and chocked Alex once they were outside the KKCO building, the affidavit said.

On Thursday, Egan, who is also charged with bias-motivated crimes and harassment, appeared before Lawrence for a bond hearing.

The judge said based on Egan’s allegations, he proposes “a significant community safety risk.” She also expressed concern about Egan’s willingness and ability to appear in court.

According to Lawrence, he has a history of similar crimes in California. Because of the allegations, his bond did not decrease.

“The allegations in this case are very concerning,” District Court Deputy DA Victoria Fazzino said. “The people have victim safety concerns (and) community safety concerns. The fact that he is a marine, we understand that can be a mitigating factor in some ways, but in others, it was part of this offense where he said he was a marine and he has to protect the country.

“That gives the people concern about community safety. The people feel the bond is appropriate where it is set based on the allegations in this case and his prior history.”

Fazzino said Alex also objected to any modification to the bond, believing the $20,000 cash bond was the correct amount. Also at the hearing, the protection order was set to stay the same meaning Egan is to stay 100 feet from Alex and his place of employment. Egan also cannot be in possession of any firearm.

Public defender Ruth Swift said numerous people in the courtroom support Egan including his friend Ben Wilson.

Wilson, who spoke before the court, said Egan is “like a brother” to him.

“I have five kids and he’s like family,” he said. “When I got the news of what happened, (I thought) ‘That’s not Patrick.'”

Swift said those who were supporting Egan in court would be more than willing to support him and consistently reach out to him to help him with his mental health. As a veteran, Egan receives medical services through the VA and a community provider.

“He has had some ongoing mental health issues for about two decades now,” Swift said. “… Mr. Wilson has seen Egan go through some ups and downs. He’s told me he’s usually been able to help intervene before things get to a point to where there was any certain danger to the community or Mr. Egan.”

Swift said Egan is currently in mental health treatment through a community provider. He has access to mental health therapy every week and emergency crisis services that are “readily available,” Swift said.

Lawrence said she hopes Egan gets treatment for his ongoing behavior.

“These are the types of behaviors that we can accept in this community,” the judge said. “It sounds like you (Egan) have been reaching out for help … for the past couple of decades and it sounds like you need that help. I would like to see Mesa County work to help you get those services that you need.”

Egan is due back in court at 8:15 a.m. on Jan. 16.