LOCKPORT —
Police Officer Toby J. Trowbridge pleaded not guilty Monday morning in Lockport City Court to a driving while intoxicated charge lodged against him Thursday night after an injury accident.
Trowbridge, 34, accompanied by his wife, Melanie, and several off-duty police officers, had his license suspended.
Trowbridge and his attorney, George V.C. Muscato, declined comment on the criminal proceedings.
Trowbridge is currently on administrative leave until further actions can be taken.
“Like the law says: You’re innocent until proven guilty,” Lockport Chief Larry Eggert said. “We are at a standstill with this until all criminal procedures are completed.”
Eggert said Trowbridge’s future with the department is in the hands of the police board.
“We had a meeting with the board and they voted to reaffirm his administrative leave. They were all in agreement with the decision,” Eggert said.
Eggert said another member of the Lockport Police Department arrested Trowbridge after he reportedly rear-ended a 1997 Ford Mustang on South Transit Road around 10:03 p.m. Thursday. Trowbridge was charged with misdemeanor DWI and tailgating, a violation.
Eggert said Trowbridge refused to take a breathalyzer test, but was administered several sobriety tests by Lt. Steve Abbott, which he allegedly failed.
Both Trowbridge and the victim were transported to Eastern Niagara Hospital-Lockport with minor injuries.
“He’s like anyone else in the community. We’re not in the position to help him,” Eggert said. “It was an unfortunate event, but the rest of our staff knew this was something that had to be done. ”
In the event there is a trial and hearing allowing arresting officers and other witnesses to testify, Eggert said his department is ready.
“We had a meeting with all officers involved,” Eggert said. “They know this is a possibility and are prepared to go forward with any testimony need be.”
But Eggert said Trowbridge, up to the arrest, had a good record with the department. “This doesn’t change the fact that Toby was a great police officer.”
In December, Trowbridge was among four officers who received an awards for preventing a Green Street man’s suicide.
His attorney spoke highly of the officer.
“Toby Trowbridge is a very fine police officer and probably the nicest person I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet,” Muscato said. “He’s taking this very seriously.”
Trowbridge is scheduled for a hearing Sept. 13 in Lockport City Court.
Courts
Related Photos
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Lockport Police Officer Toby J. Trowbridge appears in Lockport City Court. Some off-duty Lockport police officers came to court to support their fellow officer. Trowbridge is being charged with driving while intoxicated after an injury accident Thursday night.
Lockport police officer pleads not guilty to DWI charge
Lockport officer on administrative leave, police board to decide fate
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