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Home » News » Crime

September 30. 2012 11:46PM

Salem man shot by police goes on trial today


Larry Minassian 
BRENTWOOD — A Salem man accused of charging at a police officer with a sword in 2011 before being shot by three other officers is to go on trial this week.

Jury selection is scheduled today.

Larry Minassian, 53, is facing felony counts of reckless conduct and criminal threatening in a confrontation with Salem police outside his home Jan. 6, 2011.

He recently completed a six-month jail term, some of which was served in home confinement. Prosecutors won approval from a judge in April to impose a suspended sentence from a 2008 assault on a Salem police officer.

Minassian’s latest in Rockingham County Superior Court could bring state prison time if a jury convicts him.

Salem police were called to Minassian’s home Jan. 6, 2011 because he had a sword pointed at his stomach while standing just outside his home.

Minassian repeatedly told police that the FBI was trying to frame him for crimes he did not commit, according to police.

Salem police Capt. James Chase spoke with Minassian for several minutes, trying to convince him to put down the sword, prosecutors said.

Chase told Minassian he was not under investigation.

Officers were poised to handcuff Minassian when he allegedly charged at the officers, prompting them to fire their weapons, according to an attorney general’s report about the incident.

State prosecutors ruled the three officers were justified in using deadly force.

Minassian had two other run-ins with Salem police before this case, according to prosecutors.

He was charged with resisting detention and simple assault for pushing a Salem police officer on Dec. 2, 2008, and received a suspended six month jail sentence, court records say.

He was arrested on Oct. 20, 2009 for allegedly kicking out the window of a Salem cruiser.

Minassian needed to have his left leg amputated as a result of his injuries from the police shooting in 2011.

The latest charges include felony reckless conduct and criminal threatening, which are punishable by up to 3½ to 7 years in state prison.

jkimble@newstote.com

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