Hearing for suspected cop shooter postponed

AUSTINTOWN — Township police had word today that a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday for the man accused of shooting one of their patrolmen is postponed.

Carlton Sims, 22, of Boardman was to appear in county court in Austintown on charges of attempted murder, felonious assault and aggravated robbery in the May 8 attack on Patrolman Joe Wojciak.

He was shot in the chest with a .22 caliber handgun as he sat in his cruiser around 7 a.m. in the parking lot of the Kmart on Mahoning Avenue. A bulletproof vest saved him from serious harm.

Police Chief Bob Gavalier said today that Sims’ court-appointed attorney wants Sims to undergo a competency test, which is the reason for the postponement. He said he does not know when the test will occur.

For the complete story, see Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.