Posted on 04/05/2003 8:53:37 AM PST by genefromjersey
On Wednesday, April 2, 2003, an Old Bridge, NJ man was shot and seriously wounded by a NJ State Trooper, as he allegedly ran the Trooper down, at Newark Exit 15E.
The Trooper, who received minor injuries during the incident,had stopped the motorist, Leon Wolniewicz, age 48,after a high speed chase,by blocking off his rented Mercedes, after Wolniewicz passed through the toll booth. As the Trooper walked back to confront the motorist,Wolniewicz allegedly knocked him down with his car; at which point the Trooper fired once, hitting him in the neck.
The Trooper has been placed on desk duty ( which is customary ) pending the outcome of an Attorney General's investigation.
The motorist, Wolniewicz, has been charged with aggravated assault and eluding. Bail has been set at $75,000. - no 10% . He is in Newark University Hospital, and was upgraded yesterday from "critical" to "fair".
What sets this case apart - so far - is lack of interest on the part of the Media ( A "ho-hum" report was filed by Metropolitan area TV stations, with no excited follow-ups. Area newspapers actually disclosed some details of Wolniewicz' extensive driving and criminal history: pointing out he was not scheduled to have driving privileges restored until the year 2027 ! )
What also set this case apart was the Silence of the Revs : Nobody in the Black Ministers' Council has come forward to complain. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson-who are apparently busy negotiating peace in Iraq, have not made statements about this case. There have been no demonstrations outside State Police HQ relating to this matter.
Could it be Mr. Wolniewicz is ( Shudder ! ) lacking enough melanin to create interest ???
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