July 2, 2018 at 4:48 p.m.
Bond reduced in reckless driving case
Winston faces multiple charges in connection with a June 3 collision on Hwy. 47
Bond reduced in reckless driving case
By Abigail Bostwick-
Bruce Winston, 51, was northbound on State Highway 47 when his vehicle allegedly crossed the centerline and struck a southbound pickup truck driven by Tate Olson, 17.
Both Olson and Winston were taken by ambulance to Howard Young Medical Center.
According to the criminal complaint, Oneida County deputy Chad Wanta said Winston "made a variety of rambling statements regarding members of his church, racial tensions in the area and a variety of other topics" when interviewed by police after the crash.
During an adjourned initial appearance in Oneida County circuit court last Wednesday, Winston's attorney, Mary Burns, waived her client's right to a preliminary hearing.
Assistant district attorney Mary Sowinski noted more charges could be filed against Winston in connection with the incident as more witness reports have come forward and she needs to review them.
Current witness reports indicate Winston was "driving aggressively by crossing the centerline and driving directly at other cars."
"More witness reports have been filed," said Sowinski. "It may be appropriate to add more charges."
She told Oneida County Circuit Judge Michael Bloom she was in state training and had yet to have the opportunity to review the paperwork.
Burns also requested the court lower Winston's bond from $15,000 cash to $5,000.
"He's had an issue with his medications and trouble sorting out his bipolar medications," she stated. "He was sober and not intoxicated (at the time of the crash), he's very religious and very concerned about this happening."
Since being in jail, Winston had been properly taking his mental health medications, Burns indicated.
"(Winston) is a danger to the public," Sowinski objected, noting the original bond was not excessive considering the charges. "This is incredibly dangerous behavior," she said.
Bloom said Winston's past statements that everyone is out to get him were consistent with paranoia and the mental condition cited by Burns.
In modifying Winston's bond, Bloom stated the need for attention to his medications under proper medical supervision and prescription as well as no operation of any motor vehicles under any circumstances.
He told Winston he hoped he understood the potential consequences if he were to break that bond.
"Yes, I do," Winston said. "I actually already thought of that."
A pre-trial confence was scheduled for Sept. 11.
Winston is charged with one count of causing great bodily harm to another with negligent operation of a vehicle and two counts second degree recklessly endangering safety, all felonies.
He also is charged with misdemeanor reckless driving and bail jumping.
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