Two cops go on trial in beating of drunk tourist

Two cops go on trial in beating of drunk tourist

The Associated Press - February 23, 2009

GARDEN CITY — It started on a hot August night with a drunk guy getting a ticket for throwing a beer glass from a Fire Island bar into the street at 3 in the morning. This week, the disorderly reveler's role will be as a witness, testifying in the trial of two village police officers accused in his vicious beating. The defendants in the case are acting Police Chief George Hesse, accused of both assault and gang assault; and part-time Officer Arnold Hardman, charged with reckless endangerment for failing to tell paramedics that Samuel Gilberd, who was initially treated as a drug overdose, had been beaten. Gilberd was at an Ocean Beach bar when a bouncer accused him of littering after he threw a glass onto the sidewalk. He was immediately taken by the bouncer across the street to the police department, where he was issued a ticket for littering. As he left the station, Gilberd, who admitted he was drunk at the time, kicked the door of the police station. That's when prosecutors say the beating by police occurred. Jury selection was expected to begin Tuesday afternoon, followed by opening statements.

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On A Sad Note, an officer-- well-known and well-respected, has been killed by a drunk:

Motorist charged with DWI in officer's death

COMMACK — A Suffolk County police officer has died after his car was hit by another motorist charged with drunken driving. The accident happened at about 4:15 a.m. Sunday in Commack when the police officer's car was hit by a 2007 Dodge Magnum while he was responding to a call to assist another officer. His name was withheld pending notification of his family. The driver of the Dodge, 23-year-old Jose Borbon, of Plainview, was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated.