Man Charged With Assault For Throwing Ice Coffee at Firefighter
A Connecticut man was charged with assault after throwing a cup of ice coffee at a deputy fire chief over a dispute at a traffic accident.
Glastonbury police and fire were at the scene of a motorcycle accident Monday when a vehicle driven by Mark Duell, 27, of East Hartford, approached the scene and attempted to pass. He was stopped by Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Motowidlak, who allegedly banged on Duell’s vehicle and told him to stop.
Duell became so enraged that he cursed at Chief Motowidlak, and complained to police officers at the scene. When he was told to back up and not permitted to drive through the scene he threw a cup of ice coffee at Chief Motowidlak. The chief was struck on the leg.
Duell was arrested a short time later, and charged with assault on emergency personnel. More on the story.
This story really upsets me. Yes, Duell should not have attempted to drive through the scene, but at night it may have been unclear where he was supposed to go to drive safety clear of the scene. Yes, the chief should have directed Duell to not drive down through a closed intersection, but what gives him the right to bang on a vehicle. Duell should not have thrown an ice coffee, but since when is that assault. Save that charge for when it is really appropriate. The police had no right to put a $25,000 bond for throwing iced coffee. That in itself is punitive.
Peter
I don’t know the details of this specific case but I can tell you I have banged on cars before at scenes – when they are about to run me or another firefighter over and despite my yelling the driver remains “in his own world”, oblivious to what he is doing.
Again – I don’t know the story here but you asked “what gives him the right”? I’d say necessity gives him the right – if the chief or someone else was in jeopardy of being injured.
Yes, I agree with Curt, the necessity gives him the right and charging fine is bit obvious if we want to maintain law and order.