New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1927-07-30
IS LACKING
TO convict OkULA
Driver Who Pushed Policeman
OF Car Is Freed

Adam Okula, aged rs. of 80 AL
merary Officer William Temple off
the running board of an automobile
on Bond street last Sunday evening
about $3.50 o'clock, when the officer
told him to get out of the car, was
discharged by Judge Henry P. Roche
in police court this morning on the
charge Of operating an automobile
while under the influence of liquor.
The fact that there was no evidence
that Okula had been drinking, while
the testimony of the states witnesses
was conflicting. created reasonable
doubt, Judge Roche said.
Okula's action in pushing the Off
Ger off the automobile was some
confederation Of the officers story,
Judge Roche remarked, still there
should be more proof before convic-
ton on the charge, which is very
serious, could be. made.
Policeman Smells Liquor
Officer Temple testified that he
saw the car on Broad street and
suspected that the driver was I'M
der the influence Of liquor. On Bond
street he stepped onto the running
board and opened the door. Okula
was alone in the car. THE smell OF
LIQUOR was enough to knock you
over" the officer said. He ordered
Okula out of the car, and the latter
said, "All right" and then pushed
him off the running board and
drove off.
Okula admitted he was driving
the car when the officer stepped or
the running board. He was arrested
once, and he did not want 1t tc
happen again, 80 he pushed the OIL
Ger off and drove away. He was
nervous. he said. He denied ne had
been drinking the night Of the Incl
dent or that day, and said he for
merly drank but has been temper
ate for the past few mouths. He
had been sought by the police since
last Sunday night and was surren-
dered by his attorney, Harry M
Ginsburg. last night.
Joseph Babula Of As Main street,
Charles Wisgoda of SO Clinton
street, and John sparkowski of S25
North Burritt street testified that
Okula was driving the car the night
Of the incident.
Charles White, colored, aged 46,
of 1876 Oak street. was discharged
on the charge OF reckless driving
He was driving car west on Ellis
street when it collided with a Con-
necticut Company bus going to Ber-
lin about 7:45 yesterday morning,
Nobody was injured and slight dam
age was done.
Attorney A. A. Greenberg, repre-
sentlng White, said the case lacked
| the elements of reckless driving
| White has a good reputation in the
community and has never been in
trouble. There might possibly have
been a violation of the rules of the
road but nothing else, he said.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Greenstein said he felt the evidence
| showed that White was at fault but
he would not object to a suspended
| sentence. Judge Roche said there
| may have been an error of judg-
ment on Whites part but he fail
! ed to see any evidence on which
reckless driving could be proven.
Philip Ginsberg. aged %, Of Il!
Putnam street, was fined 50 and costs
on the charge of operating an auto
mobile without having an operators
license in his possession and was
discharged on the charge of viola
| ton of the rules Of the road. After
hearing the testimony Judge Roche
said he felt the question Of viola
ton Of the rules Of the road was ono
for the civil courts to decide.
Ginsberg was arrested after col
lision with car driven by Donald
Callahan of 141 Francis street at the
intersection Of Lasalle and Wilcox
streets about a. m. yesterday.
b Attorney Alfred lie Witt repre-
sented Ginsberg.
Officer w. P. Hayes testified thai