Opening statements made in trooper assault trial
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Trooper Assault Trial
Opening statements are made in the trial of a man accused of assaulting a state trooper.Published: March 25, 2009
Updated: March 25, 2009
PROVIDENCE—A lawyer for a man charged with punching and severely injuring an off-duty Rhode Island state trooper told a jury Wednesday that the officer confronted his client without showing a badge.
James Proulx is charged with felony assault for allegedly punching Trooper Brendan Doyle during a June 2007 confrontation in downtown Providence. Doyle fell backward and hit his head on the pavement, suffering a brain injury that kept him hospitalized for weeks.
The jury visited the site of the confrontation Wednesday.
Authorities said Proulx, whose trial began Wednesday in Providence Superior Court, punched Doyle after the trooper confronted him for allegedly driving recklessly.
Proulx’s attorney William Dimitri told jurors that his client feared for his life and didn’t know that Doyle, who was out with friends, was a trooper.
“Testimony will show that Mr. Proulx asked, ‘Let me see your badge. If you’re a police officer, let me see your badge.‘ To which that person replied, ‘I don’t have to show you anything,“ Dimitri said.
Prosecutor Stacey Veroni said Proulx viciously attacked Doyle, nearly killing him.
It took nearly a year for Doyle to recover from his injuries. He has returned to the Rhode Island State Police.
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He didn’t show his badge so he was asking for trouble as far as I ‘m concerned. If he’s going to put his badge to use he better show it! I also do not think Prioux wanted the guy to fall and hit his head. He just felt threatened as many people do when approached aggressively by unknown people. I don’t believe half of what the RI State Police say anyway….MOST of them ARE corrupt. C’mon people…this IS Rhode Island where all authority is sketchy.
Seriously, how do you say he got what he deserved? You my friend, have serious issues and need to seek help.. These police officers are out on the streets (weather they are on or off duty) trying to protect us and risk their lives everyday for us.. and you have the balls to say that!! Such a classless piece of low-life trash some people are!! You shouldnt even be allowed to voice your opinion its that pathetic. Didnt your mother teach you some respect….
efp1971 - you’re an idiot
He propbably will get off. But hopefully they see him in the streets. I bet he moves to New Mexico or just plain old Mexico.
I am willing to bet the guy gets off because the Super Trooper did not show a badge.
commenting on the ‘Brendan Doyle got what he deserved. He give me a BS speeding ticket in April of 2007 and I am glad this guy kicked his butt.‘
So, a speeding ticket is worth 1 year of a humans life? Go explain that to your kid. You proably would enjoy jail. You’ll probably see all your friends. You are talking about a speeding ticket vs a drunk driver in the middle of Providence on a busy night. And what does a BS speeding ticket mean? Were you speeding or not?
Even though some take advantage of their authority, most of the police are here to protect us. They are only rude and mean to people that show them no respect.
the thing that bothers me the most of this entire incident is the fact that the news keeps bringing up the fact that mr. proulx was a ex corrections officer. what does that have to do with anything? he also was a reserve for smithfield pd. and he also wrote mortgages. mabe he used to bag food at stop and shop. who cares what he used to do, the fact is i feel both had made poor choices at that moment and they both will pay for there actions. this should be a serious eye opener for all that have a confrontation with anyone. act before you think and your life could be ruined for ever. what a shame
Brilliant!!! Weeks in the hospital and rehab vs. an $85 speeding ticket. Justice was served. Hopefully you will not reproduce….....
Brendan Doyle got what he deserved. He give me a BS speeding ticket in April of 2007 and I am glad this guy kicked his butt.
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