A Marion County Jury deliberated for an hour and a half Wednesday afternoon before convicting a 33-year-old Centralia man of aggravated battery to a police officer.
Allen Hirsch was found guilty of punching Centralia Police Sergeant Trent Timmons in the head while Timmons was attempting to arrest him on February 6th of this year.
Hirsch could face up to 3 to 14 years in prison when sentenced on June 13th since he is eligible for an extended sentence. While the charge could result in a probation sentence, State’s Attorney Tim Hudspeth says he will be seeking prison time for Hirsh.
Hudspeth hopes the jury’s verdict shows the public that we value and respect our police officers and those who attack an officer will be prosecuted. He notes through body camera videos and testimony of Sergeant Timmons and two other Centralia officers the jurors were able to see the dangers police officers encounter during each of their shifts. Hudspeth says he is thankful and appreciative for the guilty verdict.
