Man Rams Police Cars, Tries To Run Over Officers, Gets Released By Judge Without Paying Bail
Jeremy Hollins was released by Judge Constance Sweeney.
Jeremy Hollins PRed by Judge Sweeney
Springfield, MA – A suspect who was shot multiple times after trying to run over police officers was released on his own personal recognizance by a judge after being indicted for multiple charges.
The incident occurred on April 23, when a traffic stop was conducted on Jeremy Hollins, age 29, by West Springfield police officers. He fled during the traffic stop, rammed police cruisers, and attempted to run over police officers, according to MassLive.com.
He was later found hiding in a doorway at a West Springfield apartment complex, and charged at officers, who shot him three times.
Hollins was transported to Baystate Medical Center, where he received treatment for a gunshot to his leg and two gunshots to his shoulder.
He was arraigned on May 4 on four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, four counts of malicious damage to a motor vehicle, two counts of leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and one count each of operating under the influence of liquor, possession of cocaine, refusing to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and for attempted murder, and was placed on $10,000 bond at the hospital, an agreed-upon amount by prosecutors and defense attorneys.
He appeared in Hampden Superior Court on Friday, August 11. At that hearing, Judge Constance Sweeney released him on his personal recognizance, which means that he doesn’t have to put up any bond, secured or unsecured.
Hampton was then free to go into the community. The grand jury also refused to indict on the charge of attempted murder.
Judge Sweeney told Hollins not to use drugs or alcohol, and ruled that he must submit to random screenings. His next hearing is set for December 22. He has pleaded not guilty.
Judge Sweeney does not appear to be sympathetic to victims or the risk to the community that occurs when a violent offender is released.
In 1994, she ordered a local YMCA to turn over rape counseling records to an accused rapist according to The New York Times. When the YMCA refused on the basis of confidentiality, she held them in contempt of court, and ordered them to pay a fine of $500 per day of delay.
Jeremy Hollins has been raising money on YouCaring since the attack, and has already raised over $1,600.
Do you think that there’s any excuse for a judge to release a violent criminal without bail? We’d like to hear what you think. Please let us know in the comments.
