Community Corner
Case Continued, No Plea in Zalaski DUI Accusation
Court officials said Tuesday morning that no plea has been entered in the Dec. 21 incident that led to the arrest of one of Southington's state legislators.
State Rep. Bruce “Zeke” Zalaski appeared briefly before a judge in Bristol Superior Court on Tuesday morning but did not enter a plea as the case was continued until Feb. 7.
Zalaski, who was arraigned Tuesday, is facing a charge of driving under the influence after police said he was sitting in a parked, but running car following a union Christmas party he attended at a Bristol manufacturing company.
Friends have defended Zalaski, saying he never drove, but police said the keys were the ignition and the engine was running, which violates the state's DUI statutes.
The 61-year-old state representative has not spoken publicly about his arrest. The Record-Journal reported Tuesday that with the advise of his lawyer, he once again declined comment outside the courthouse.
The case has been transferred to New Britain Superior Court at Zalaski’s request. Court officials said it is not uncommon for cases to be transferred out of a geographical area when involving public figures and it allows for elimination of conflict of interest.
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