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Good Samaritan who came to State Rep. Maryam Khan's defense arraigned in court

Jason Spencer, a military veteran, came to Khan's defense last summer when she was allegedly attacked by Andrey Desmond outside of the XL Center.

HARTFORD, Conn. — The Good Samaritan who came to State Rep. Maryam Khan's defense while she was assaulted last summer faced a judge Wednesday afternoon. 

Since the incident, he has been facing charges for keeping the attacker away from Khan that day. 

"I want to make sure that we are protecting people who protect others," said State Rep. Khan. 

In June of last year, Khan left a prayer service at the XL Center in Hartford with her friend and family members. 

Once she stepped outside, Andrey Desmond, 30, of New Britain allegedly approached her, grabbed her face and tried to kiss her. 

As she tried to pull away, Desmond got angry, slapped her, held in a chokehold and slammed her to the ground which has left her with long term injuries. 

Khan told police there were bystanders, but no one intervened except 43 year-old Jason Spencer. 

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RELATED: State Rep. Maryam Khan assaulted while attending Eid al-Adha prayer service in Hartford

"Mr. Spencer was actually down the block hearing her cries and he ran top speed down the block to save her and if it wasn’t for him, the attack might have continued," said Defense Attorney Aaron Romano. 

Spencer just so happened to be a military veteran and his training immediately kicked in that day. 

"If I’ve served in a war zone fighting for the defense of others, I’m home now. If I see someone needing help, I have to intervene and I feel all citizens should do that," said Spencer. 

Nearly three months later, Spencer was eventually charged for for allegedly assaulting Desmond, all in an effort to protect Khan. 

RELATED: 'Emotional toll' | Rep. Maryam Khan speaks out after violent attack in Hartford

"Jason Spencer should be rewarded for his bravery, should be celebrated, uplifted and criminalized," added Khan. 

Spencer appeared before a judge Wednesday who has not pleaded guilty. 

Attorney Romano is helping him with a diversion process with hopes his case can ultimately be dismissed. 

Rep. Khan said she has plans to talk about laws during session to ensure Good Samaritans are not criminalized. 

"I’m just unhappy about the fact that we even have to go through this process," added Khan. 

Spencer will reappear in court in March. The judge will be reviewing his application for the diversionary program in order to determine if he is eligible for a case dismissal. 

Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.

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