BRENTWOOD — A Waltham, Mass., man is letting a superior court judge — instead of a jury — decide whether he was a hotheaded driver who dragged and injured a Salem police officer who was directing traffic near Canobie Lake Park.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers agreed to let William Manning, 56, waive his right to a jury when he goes on trial next month for felony reckless conduct.

Judge Kenneth McHugh also approved Manning’s request to sequester witnesses during the trial so they cannot have contact with or watch the testimony of other witnesses while the trial is under way.

Manning is accused of losing his temper with Officer Dave Hyatt and driving off with the officer in tow after being asked for his license and registration.

Hyatt was directing traffic at the intersection of North Policy Street and Route 93 on Aug. 14, 2010, during the peak arrival time at Canobie Lake Park.

Manning allegedly drove by Hyatt when signaled to do so, but then turned around his Honda Odyssey, pulling up to the officer to yell at him, police said. Manning and his passenger then began an “expletive-filled tirade” about Hyatt’s ability to direct traffic, according to prosecutors.

Hyatt asked Manning for his driver’s license, and reached across the passenger’s side to get it before being dragged off by the minivan, police said.

Hyatt eventually freed himself from the van, according to police.

The defense has suggested there are conflicting accounts of Manning’s interaction with Hyatt.

Defense lawyer Phillip Utter said in court papers that Manning “adamantly denies” dragging Hyatt.

McHugh allowed Utter to gain access to Hyatt’s past workmen’s compensation claims made during his law enforcement career.

Prosecutors say the records mean little. Hyatt last filed for a workmen’s compensation claim in 1995, according to Assistant County Attorney Lisa Cirulli.

Hyatt was taken to Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, Mass., by Salem Fire & Rescue to be treated for a shoulder injury, scrapes and bruises, police said. Manning, his wife and three small children were in the vehicle at the time of the incident, police said.

The trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 19 in Rockingham County Superior Court. Manning faces a Class B felony, punishable by 3½ to 7 years in state prison and a $4,000 fine.

jkimble@newstote.com