Golfer from Howland to face assault charge

Golfer from Howland to face assault charge

WARREN — An alleged attack with a golf ball is requiring a visiting judge and special prosecutor to handle the case in Warren Municipal Court.

A pretrial hearing will be Tuesday morning for Bradley J. Rushin, 46, of Howland Springs Road, Howland, who faces two counts of assault, using the ball as a weapon.

Normally the case would be heard before municipal Judges Thomas Gysegem or Terry Ivanchak and prosecuted by one of two city prosecutors.

But because of a conflict of interest, the case will be heard by visiting Judge Thomas Townley of Niles Municipal Court. Niles Prosecutor Terry Swauger will be special prosecutor.

That’s because the case involves Nick Graham, one of the two Warren Municipal Court prosecutors, and his 3-year-old son, Jimmy.

According to documents filed in the case, Graham alleges that Rushin teed up a golf ball on the 17th hole at city-owned Old Avalon Golf Course in Howland and fired it at those attending a birthday party, including the Grahams, being held at a house just off the 17th fairway.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.