Police assault hearing continues
A hearing for a North Strabane Township man accused of assaulting three township police officers and throwing his dentures and chewing tobacco at one of them had his hearing continued Monday.
The hearing for William Lee Moody, 71, of 1229 Route 519, was continued before District Judge Jay Weller until July 22 to determine if Moody is eligible for veterans court.
Moody is charged with five counts of aggravated assault, two counts of terrorstic threats and one count each of obstructing administration of law, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Township police had been called to a multi-vehicle crash near Moody’s home May 31. Moody apparently was angry because a Good Samaritan who stopped to help had parked in his driveway.
Moody reportedly started swearing at Officer Michael Krocsko and the woman, as well as pushing and shoving the officer. Moody struggled with police as they took him into custody.
Once in the cruiser, police said Moody faked unconsciousness. Police removed a handcuff so he could be treated. Moody again became combative and swung at Krocsko and Officer Matthew Mancini as well as a paramedic, police said.
At the police station, Moody allegedly took his dentures and tobacco out of his mouth and threw them at Mancini, hitting him in the chest. He also took off his wristwatch and threw it, hitting Officer Jonathan Miles, police said.
Steven Toprani, the defense attorney representing Moody, said his client had not been feeling well and taking his medications at the time of the incident.
“He is a Vietnam vet,” Toprani said. “He will be evaluated to determine if he is eligible for one of the diversionary programs.”
Veterans court was established several years ago in Washington County to assist veterans who get in trouble with the law and keep them out of the criminal justice system. The court includes mental health professionals, veterans affairs administrators and other agency representatives.
If Moody is deemed not eligible for the program, then he is expected to waive the case to court in July. Moody remains free on a $75,000 percentage bond.