MIDDLETOWN — State police Sgt. John McDonald will face a choose Thursday almost 18 months after he was charged with driving underneath the affect and assault in a Southbury crash that injured a mom and daughter.
McDonald, 38, has but to enter a plea within the case, however throughout an look in March, a prosecutor mentioned a plea deal was being mentioned and he was awaiting enter from the victims.
An lawyer for the victims, Joseph Foti, mentioned this week a decision within the case may very well be reached throughout Thursday’s listening to.
“We’ve got full religion within the felony justice system and that the court docket and choose will do the appropriate factor. We’re all very appreciative of the actual fact they’ve stored the household and the victims appraised of the state of affairs happening and brought this matter very significantly because of the seriousness of the accidents,” Foti mentioned.
McDonald, a 15-year trooper, was suspended following his arrest in the 2019 crash investigation, officers mentioned. Regardless of being stripped of police powers, state police officers mentioned McDonald nonetheless receives wage engaged on administrative responsibility whereas an inner investigation stays pending.
An arrest warrant for McDonald filed after the accident mentioned he had about eight drinks on the Black Hog Brewery in Oxford earlier than working a cease mild at Airport Street and Route 188 in his police cruiser, which crashed into the facet of the victims’ automobile.
The impression despatched the victims’ automotive off the street, officers mentioned. The 2 had been transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for remedy.
Witnesses informed investigators that following the crash they noticed McDonald swaying in the midst of the street, in response to the arrest warrant affidavit.
The affidavit quotes an off-duty Oxford firefighter as saying: “That man is hammered. He isn’t listening to me to remain out of the roadway.”
Investigators obtained video from inside the brewery that confirmed McDonald consuming beers, in response to the affidavit. The video has not been publicly launched.
McDonald, who has been free on a written promise to look, was sued by the victims, Lisa and Madison Conroy. Foti mentioned this week that the lawsuit was “on observe” and they’re persevering with to conduct depositions of witnesses.
The civil go well with is scheduled for a distant listening to subsequent month.
