Man Accused Of Shooting At A Policeman Freed Because Of Trial Delay

A man accused of shooting at a police officer outside of a local bar in 2011 was released from prison without bail because his trial didn’t start fast enough, reports the New York Post.

Pablo Negron was released from Rikers earlier this week, where he had been awaiting trial for allegedly firing nine shots at an off-duty cop after an argument spilled out of The Old Gallery bar on McDonald Avenue. The officer, Jason Reynolds, who said he had identified himself, fired back, hitting Negron twice. He was arrested and charged with attempted murder and assault.

But now Negron, who was sentenced to a year in jail for another assault on a cop, and who has prior arrests for drugs, trespassing, and weapons charges, is out on the streets. From the Post:

Negron was held without bail after the incident.

But state law says a defendant must be released if prosecutors are not ready for trial within 90 days.

And while DA Charles Hynes’ prosecutors were legally able to extend his jail time as they prepared for trial, the judge finally ruled that they had run up 129 days of “unexcused’’ delay.

“Because the people have not been ready for trial within 90 days from the commencement of his commitment to custody, the defendant’s motion for release . . . is granted,” Judge Ann Donnelly ruled.

Negron is due back in court for trial on September 23.

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