A Seymour man facing charges for drunken driving and attempted assault on a police officer has applied for a court program that could wipe his record clear if granted and successfully completed.
But the police officer who had to subdue Erik Turski after an alleged bar fight last winter has objected to Turski’s application for the accelerated rehabilitation program.
Seymour Police Officer Don Scheithe was present in Superior Court in Derby Thursday. Turski’s case was continued until June 10 without a hearing on his application.
Judge Karen Sequino scheduled a hearing for next week because she is filling in for Judge Burton Kaplan and won’t be the deciding judge for Turski’s application.
“It doesn’t make sense that you make your speech to me and have another judge decide,” Judge Sequino told Scheithe.
Background
Turski almost died last July, when he crashed his motorcycle on Route 67 in Oxford — hitting a bridge abutment and launching into a pond below.
EMS crews and police officers responding to the scene had to fish Turski out of the pond and he was in the hospital for several weeks recovering.
Police later said Turski was nearly three times the legal limit during the crash and charged him with operating under the influence, operating a motorcycle without endorsement, and operating a motorcycle without insurance.
Then, in January, Turski was allegedly involved in a drunken bar fight at the Tressle Tavern in Seymour.
Police responded to the bar after a 911 hang up and arrested Turski for his alleged involvement in the fight.
After being handcuffed, police said Turski charged a cop and grabbed the top of the officer’s holstered weapon.
The officer was able to subdue Turski.
He was charged with attempted assault on a public safety officer, a felony.
Turski was also charged with breach of peace and interfering with a police officer.
The Programs
The accelerated rehabilitation program is for first-time offenders, and offers defendants a second chance. If granted, a defendant will receive up to two years probation. If the probation is successfully completed, the charges will be dismissed.
According to discussion in open court Thursday, Turski has also applied to an alcohol education program, a pre-trial diversionary program that could also result in the dismissal of the driving under the influence charges after completion of 10 to 15 weeks in a program.
Once a defendant applies for a pre-trial diversionary program, his or her file is sealed from the public.
