After a Reno County jury came up with a mixed verdict for a Hutchinson man who was accused of two counts of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, he was sentenced Friday by District Judge Tim Chambers.
Judge Chambers acknowledged that the defendant was upset over his fathers death, but didn’t excuse Christopher White of his actions. However he did grant him 18-months community corrections on a 16-month sentence for the conviction of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.
The state had contended that White committed “intentional” aggravated battery, but the jury found him guilty of “reckless” aggravated battery, a slightly lesser offense. The jury also found White not guilty on the second count.
The case involves Hutchinson Police Officers Chris Flynn and Robert Wylie who were trying to get White into custody. They were apparently sent to check on the defendant’s welfare when he allegedly became combative and literally jumped on top of Officer Flynn. But, White took the stand in his own defense and contradicted that claim saying the officer pulled him, even ripping his shirt.
Officer Flynn at some point was knocked out and testified during the trial that he still has trouble remembering exactly what happened that night.
White was acting bizarre according to the initial report riding his bicycle in circles of the parking lot of the Kwik Shop at 4th & K-61 around 12:20 a-m, back on June 22, of last year. He was apparently yelling for someone to help him and claiming he had seen the ghost of his father.
The state contended he was under the influence of methamphetamine, alcohol and other prescription drugs.