Police chief asks judge to consider man’s tattoos when deciding his prison sentence

ALASKA (WITI) -- Anchorage, Alaska's police chief asked a judge to simply "take a look" at Jason Barnum in advocating a harsh sentence for the man who pleaded guilty to shooting a police officer.

Nicknamed "Eyeball" for a tattoo that darkened the white portion of his right eye, 39-year-old Barnum admitted to taking part in a crime spree back in 2012. He pleaded guilty to first degree attempted murder, first degree burglary and third degree felony in possession of a weapon.

Barnum is accused of opening fire on two Anchorage officers who were investigating a hotel after a series of burglaries and car thefts.

One of the officers was injured.

The officers returned fire, and Barnum was hit in his arm.

In addition to his eyeball tattoo, Barnum has a series of skull-like representations tattoos on his face, along with a crown of thorns and other religious insignia.



In speaking before the court during Barnum's sentencing hearing, KTUU reports Anchorage Police Chief Mark Mew seemed as concerned about Barnum's appearance as he was about his admission of guilt and his criminal history.

KTUU reports Barnum has 14 prior convictions and an admitted heroin addiction.

“I'm going to stick my neck out here and state the obvious. I’d like you to take a look at Mr. Barnum. He has the right to do this to himself and to express himself. We can’t sentence him for that, but I think we can consider a guy’s attitude and his behavior. I think Jason Barnum decided a long time ago that his life was about being hostile to people," Mews said in court Friday, January 2nd.

Interestingly -- Barnum didn't seem to disagree with Mew's statements.

“I’m humbled by what the chief said. I was out there pretty much running crazy. Everybody knows that I’m not the nicest guy. I understand that what I did was wrong. I can’t take none of it back," Barnum said.

Barnum blamed his actions on his heroin addiction and Alaska's correctional system -- saying after serving a two-year prison sentence for a prior conviction, he was released with no one waiting for him, nowhere to go, and no job prospects.

“I was living on the streets, and I tried to get a job, but of course my beautiful face didn’t allow me to do that,” Barnum said.

Ultimately, the judge said no matter how much the heroin may have fueled his actions or how much the system may have failed him, the blame in this case falls on Barnum.

On Friday, January 2nd, a judge sentenced Barnum to 22 years in prison. He'll be in his mid-50s when he's eligible for parole.

CLICK HERE for more on this story via KTUU.