Trooper in gun flap faces status hearing

Trooper in gun flap faces status hearing

By Associated Press | Tuesday, September 28, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Local Coverage

Photo by Globe Pool

A veteran state trooper and decorated U.S. Army Special Operations sergeant charged with driving drunk and pointing a gun at an off-duty Boston cop faces a state police duty status hearing today.
Timothy Walsh, 41, pleaded not guilty yesterday and was released on personal recognizance. A judge ordered him to give up his guns, avoid alcohol and undergo a mental health evaluation.
Walsh, an 18-year state police veteran, has been on military leave for five years and was decorated for valor in combat while serving in Afghanistan.
Police say Walsh struck several parked cars at about 1 a.m. Saturday, then pointed his gun at the officer, a neighbor, and later fired into his own ceiling. He refused to raise his hands in the air, forcing officers to tackle him, police said. Walsh’s lawyer said his behavior was a “complete aberration.”
In a statement yesterday, state police Col. Marian J. McGovern said, “We . . . recognize his bravery in the service of his country. Nonetheless, the Department has an obligation to review the serious criminal allegations against him and examine his fitness to serve as a . . . state trooper.”
McGovern said a hearing will be held today to determine Walsh’s duty status pending a trial, when Walsh could face discipline or termination depending on the court’s ultimate findings.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1284572