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Prosecutors won't file charges in 'assault'



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Times Argus Staff
Times Argus Staff - Published: January 29, 2010

BARRE – Prosecutors have decided not to file a charge of assault against a 20-year-old Morrisville man who beat up another man in a Waterbury gas station parking lot last November.

Eric Merriam-Perre was cited by police for assault after a surveillance video captured him punching 53-year-old Ted Brunell during a late-night fight in the parking lot of the Champlain Farms on Route 100. Brunell, a Moretown resident, fell to the ground and was left unconscious with a broken jaw after the melee, police said.

Merriam-Perre also appeared to kick Brunell while Brunell was on the ground, but prosecutors concluded the kick didn't do much damage.

Washington County Deputy State's Attorney Tom Kelly said it appeared from the video that Merriam-Perre was acting in self-defense.

"Given my review of the video, I don't think there is any jury on earth that would convict Eric Merriam-Perre" said Kelly. "Not only did (Brunell) blow smoke in his face, he shoves him twice in the face. And he was aggressive."







READER COMMENTS


"Who says there's no justice anymore?"

I do. Only a camera saved the younger guy from being charged with aggravated assault being pleaded down to simple assault. Mr. Merriam-Perre obviously said, "Plea deal? Did you see the tape??? Bring the jury on!" No camera, different story, and one or both would have been charged, not for public safety, but to bring money to the State in court costs, fines, "programming," probation officers. Charges for the sake of charges is what has made Corrections grow into the money-suc king machine it has become.
-- Posted by Christina Colombe on Sat, Jan 30, 2010, 7:28 pm EST

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Mr. McGrath,

I have to join the chorus. It was definitely self-defense. If you were to charge anyone in this case, you would also have to charge the initial aggressor, Mr. Brunell.

I would like to congratulate the Barre prosecution team for getting this one right. Who says there's no justice anymore?

.
-- Posted by Bennett Shapiro on Sat, Jan 30, 2010, 1:17 am EST

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John you yourself wouldn't have walked away from what Ted was doing.
-- Posted by Melissa B. on Fri, Jan 29, 2010, 12:49 pm EST

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it was definatly self defence, I dont care how old or young you shouldnt walk away from someone trying to bully you around, Ted got what he had coming for a long time and he deserved it. Anyone that lays a hand on someone else needs to be layed out. John you need to put yourself in this kids shoes, have you seen the video? if not you can find it on youtube.com What if this was your son and ted was pushing him around? Would you tell him to ignore it or stand up for himself? if you say ignore it you need to grow a pair.
-- Posted by Mr. Right on Fri, Jan 29, 2010, 7:09 am EST

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Have you had seen the video? This is a case of self defence.
MPB
-- Posted by none none on Fri, Jan 29, 2010, 6:14 am EST

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John, respectfully, I must disagree. In the video, the elder was clearly the aggressor. Twenty year olds don't walk away when some old guy starts shoving them around.
-- Posted by Barre City Resident on Fri, Jan 29, 2010, 6:12 am EST

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Are u kidding me.....No matter what this guy could have still walked away and yet he decides not to and breaks the guys jaw. No charges .......Just not right,he should have been charged with simple assault a the least.
-- Posted by John McGrath on Fri, Jan 29, 2010, 5:41 am EST

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