State trooper wins new trial in assault case
Published: June 29, 2009
Updated: June 29, 2009
PROVIDENCE—Rhode Island’s highest court has ordered a new trial for a former state trooper convicted three years ago of beating a man inside a police car while off duty.
Jeffrey Clark was found guilty of felony assault and other offenses for punching William Skwirz Jr. during a Labor Day weekend in 2004 that began over a barking dog. Skwirz was arrested on a charge of simple assault by South Kingstown police after the fight.
He testified that Clark opened the door of the police cruiser and punched him repeatedly in the head while he was handcuffed inside.
The state Supreme Court overturned Clark’s convictions Monday, saying the judge had improperly excluded evidence during the trial.
State Police Major Elwood Johnson says Clark faced nine administrative charges after the fight and has since left the police force.
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Reader Reactions
Sounds like somebody got a speeding ticket from a trooper and lost their case in court.
Trooper’s are all scum, crooked dirt-bags! And so aren’t the judge’s. They’re all in bed with eachother. Goofs
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