TAUNTON — A Taunton cop plans to retire within the face of drunk driving charges.
A wreck allegedly attributable to Sgt. Shawn Smith left a Rehoboth motorcyclist hospitalized for seven weeks and counting.
Smith, 49, of Raynham allegedly drove his truck erratically within the lead-up to the Sept. 19 crash on Harvey Road, crossing the middle line, based on video taken by an alarmed driver behind him. Smith’s pickup allegedly sideswiped motorcyclist George Haskell, 52.
Haskell’s sister, Cheryl Shepley of Raynham, mentioned her brother will get a little bit higher daily and hopes to maneuver from Tufts Medical Heart to a rehabilitation facility quickly. Shepley mentioned he isn’t in a situation to talk to reporters but.
The crash broke each bone on Haskell’s left aspect, together with his ft, nostril, cheek, clavicle and shoulder blade, Shepley beforehand mentioned. He is had 4 surgical procedures on his left ankle with no less than yet another to go. She says he additionally had surgical procedure to place pins and plates on his left aspect for his ribs. A pores and skin graft to his ankle failed, so he has a sponge and artificial pores and skin masking his ankle.
Extra:Sister of man struck by allegedly drunk Taunton cop says brother badly injured
“He is doing good up to now,” Shepley mentioned in an e-mail to the Gazette.
Family and friends are holding a fundraiser for Haskell on Saturday at Taunton’s Lafayette Membership.
The identical day as that fundraiser, Smith’s retirement will grow to be official. In keeping with a letter from town’s Contributory Retirement System, Smith could have 25 years and two months of creditable service. He has been on paid depart for the reason that wreck.
Conviction may danger police pension
Smith’s public pension could also be in jeopardy if he is convicted. Nevertheless, town’s Retirement Board must conclude that the conviction was associated to his job. Since he was off responsibility on the time of the crash, that must be decided, mentioned Paul Slivinski, government director of the Contributory Retirement System.
“You do should be convicted,” Slivinski mentioned Wednesday. “We’re required by legislation to pay the pension.”
The subsequent step within the case towards Smith is a pre-trial convention set for Dec. 15, based on Gregg Milliote of the Bristol County District Lawyer’s Workplace.
Fundraiser for injured motorcyclist
Pals of George Haskell are elevating funds with a dinner and DJ occasion on the Lafayette Membership, 18 Lakeview Ave., Taunton, on Saturday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $20 per individual and embrace dinner, dessert and leisure. Tickets can be found on the door. Donations can also be made through the next strategies:
- PayPal or Google Pay: georgehaskelljr@comcast.web
- Venmo or Money App: @ReneHodgdon
- Apple Pay: 617-438-2682
Ship your information tricks to reporter Chris Helms by e-mail at CHelms@tauntongazette.com. Assist native journalism by buying a digital or print subscription to The Taunton Every day Gazette.
