Man Accused Of Causing Shelton Officer’s Death To Appear In Court

Bruce Knapik, the man accused of striking and killing a Shelton police officer last July, could tell a Superior Court judge Wednesday (Oct. 19) whether he accepts a plea offer from state prosecutor’s office. 

Knapik is scheduled to appear before Judge Burton Kaplan at Superior Court in Derby. 

He has been mulling offers from the state prosecutors since his last court appearance on Sept. 16, according to his attorney, Edward Gavin.

Gavin, declined to give specifics of the offers in September. A message seeking comment was left with him Tuesday. 

Shelton Police Chief Joel Hurliman said some members of the department may attend the hearing Wednesday.

He declined to comment on the case until after the hearing, when the outcome could be revealed. 

Knapik is accused of driving drunk on July 3, 2010. His car allegedly struck Sgt. Orville Smith while he was directing traffic on Route 110.

Initially, it didn’t appear that Smith’s injuries were life-threatening, but three days later he died of complications from his internal injuries, police said.

Knapik was charged with second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle and driving under the influence.

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