Man accused of punching police officer looks to avoid conviction - Bristol Press
Ronald Dearstyne, the prosecutor, said he will contact the police officer who Coppola allegedly assaulted to get his position on the case. The prosecutor and the officer will have the right to object to or support Coppola enrolling in the programs at his eligibility hearing. Coppola, who is free on $50,000 bond, is charged with assault on a police officer, operating under the influence, attempting to evade responsibility, interfering with police, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree breach of peace and... According to the accident report, Coppola was headed north on Irving Street in a 2001 Toyota Tacoma around 1:35 a. m. on July 26 when he crashed into an unoccupied 2002 Buick Century, which was legally parked on the side of the road. He then attempted to back up the truck and leave the scene before police arrived, the report said. Once police arrived, Coppola punched an officer in the face, police said. After striking the officer, Coppola continued to struggle with police, who had to use force to gain control of him, the accident report said. A witness told police he had witnessed Coppola drink beer just prior to the accident. Source: www.centralctcommunications.com
