Assault at Aspen gym leads to arrest

Courtesy photo
Police are investigating an assault call that took place outside Jean-Robert’s Gym in Aspen on Wednesday afternoon.
Witnesses reported the arrival of five to six police vehicles, and one person was taken into custody at the scene.
“I am not completely sure what happened, but I have a video of what happened,” said a witness, who The Aspen Times is not naming at this time. “There was a high school-looking kid who was taunting people in the gym, like pointing to people to come outside to fight.”

The same witness described seeing the young man walk away toward a police officer just as an older man, described as wearing a ripped shirt, emerged from the gym yelling.
She alleged the older man was Jean-Robert Barbette himself.

“The kid was taken away in handcuffs and transported to the police station,” she said.
Aspen Assistant Chief of Police Bill Linn confirmed the incident.
“We are currently investigating an assault reported at JR’s Gyms,” Linn said. “More details may not be released until tomorrow.”

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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