A Littleton man accused of ski rage for punching a 16-year-old snowboarder in Steamboat Springs after the girl ran across the end of his 7-year-old daughter’s skis is expected to plead guilty today to third-degree assault, a misdemeanor.
Randell Berg, 53, will agree to serve a small amount of jail time, perform community service and take part in mandatory anger-management counseling as part of a one-year probation, his attorney Larry Combs said Tuesday.
“He wants to put this behind him. He’s never been in a situation like this in his life,” Combs said. “It’s been very painful and embarrassing for him, but given his past performances in all areas of his life, we feel this is a fair and reasonable disposition.”
The plea stems from a Jan. 29 altercation with Natalie Nichols. Berg punched Nichols several times after she accidentally knocked down his daughter, according to authorities.
“This girl just hit Mr. Berg’s 7-year-old, and they both fell to the ground,” Combs said. “Mr. Berg’s daughter was crying and he just reacted badly. He was concerned that the snowboarder was using excessive speed and being reckless in that area.”
He was originally charged with assault and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.
Berg will ask a judge for four days in jail, which would include credit for two days he already has spent behind bars following his arrest; a minimum of eight hours of anger-management counseling; and 80 hours of community service with a parks and recreation department, Combs said.
The prosecutor in the case could not be reached for comment.
Staff writer Manny Gonzales can be reached at 303-820-1537 or mgonzales@denverpost.com.
