BRENTWOOD — A man awaiting trial on an alleged sword-wielding incident with Salem police officers has been cleared by a judge to serve out his current jail sentence on home confinement if county jail officials deem him fit for release.

Larry Minassian, 53, of Salem would be allowed to remain on home confinement so long as he consents to searches of his home by police and refrains from possessing any weapons, drugs or alcohol, according to a court order.

Circuit Court Judge Robert Stephen set restrictions for Minassian if he is put on electronic monitoring.

Minassian was sentenced to six months in jail in April on a 2008 simple assault conviction against a police officer.

He is also facing charges for a January 2011 sword-wielding incident with Salem police officers that led to him being shot. Minassian lost his left leg as a result of injuries from the shooting.

On Monday, Minassian remained in custody at Rockingham County jail.

Stephen ordered that Minassian could only leave his home for medical appointments or mental health and alcohol treatment or counseling if he is put on home confinement.

Minassian’s lawyer, Richard Sheehan, argued for Minassian to be put on electronic monitoring, arguing his client had very specific medical and psychological treatment.

Stephen said in his decision that Minassian has “a serious mental health issue” and that a letter from the Center of Life Management factored into his decision.

The letter said that “Mr. Minassian will likely be significantly set back in his treatment and potentially hospitalized if his current medication list is not administered.”

Some of the prescribed medications are not allowed at the jail, so the decision about the electronic monitoring would be left with corrections officials, the judge noted.

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 last Wednesday in 10th Circuit Court in Salem.

Minassian’s 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.

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

Police tried to convince Minassian that he was not under investigation and that he should speak with someone at a hospital. Minassian charged at police as they were trying to handcuff him, prompting three officers to fire.

He has been in jail since May 4. Prosecutors sought to bring forward a suspended sentence from a 2008 conviction, citing his latest run-in with police.

jkimble@newstote.com