SALEM — A man shot for allegedly charging at a Salem police officer is trying to be freed on electronic monitoring after being sentenced in April to six months in jail for a 2008 conviction of simple assault of a police officer.

Circuit Court Judge Robert Stephen is now considering a request by Larry Minassian, 53, of Salem to be sent home on electronic monitoring as he awaits trial in superior court on criminal threatening and reckless conduct charges.

“Larry Minassian has serious medical issues that severely impact his everyday existence while incarcerated,” defense lawyer Richard Sheehan said in court papers. Minassian needed to have his left leg amputated as a result of his injuries from the police shooting.

Sheehan argued that his client’s medical providers and counselors all express “major concerns” regarding the jail’s inability to provide the proper medical and psychological medications and support.

Prosecutors objected to the release, arguing that Minassian had nearly a year’s notice before a judge imposed the suspended sentence.

Stephen held a hearing about Minassian’s request on Wednesday in 10th Circuit Court in Salem. He is now considering the matter.

If Minassian is allowed to go into home confinement, he is still facing the prospect of incarceration again later this year.

His superior court case, scheduled for trial later this year, stems from allegations that he charged a Salem police officer while armed with a sword last Jan. 6.

Minassian was indicted on two Class B felonies in that case, each punishable by up to 3½ to 7 years in prison if he is convicted by a jury.

Police found Minassian standing outside of his home on Jan. 6, 2011, with a sword pointed at his stomach, claiming that the FBI was trying to frame him for crimes he didn’t commit.

Salem Police Capt. James Chase had tried convince Minassian that he was not under investigation and that he should speak with someone at a hospital, according to state prosecutors.

Minassian charged at police as they were trying to handcuff him, prompting three officers to fire.

Salem prosecutor Jason Grosky argued that that sword-wielding incident violated the terms of Minassian’s suspended sentence for his 2008 conviction of simple assault against a Salem police officer.

Minassian served seven days of that six month sentence when he was convicted of kicking out the window of a Salem police cruiser on Oct. 20, 2009.

Police said Minassian was highly intoxicated at the time and being taken into protective custody.

Minassian has been in jail since May 4.

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James A. Kimble may be reached at JKimble@newstote.com.