NORTHAMPTON — A Huntington man pleaded guilty Tuesday to negligent operation of a motor vehicle following an incident in which police said he was speeding and crossing the center line.
Dakota O. Cornelius, 26, pleaded guilty to the charge in Northampton District Court. He was sentenced to a year of probation and was ordered to pay a $250 fine on the charge, according to court documents.
Cornelius also admitted there were sufficient facts to find him guilty of resisting arrest, assault and battery on a police officer and failing to stop for police, according to court documents. Those charges were continued with a finding of guilt for a period of one year and he was ordered to pay $150 in restitution and a $50 victim/witness assessment fee.
He was found not responsible for three civil motor vehicle infractions and a fourth was dismissed by the prosecution, according to court documents.
A charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (second offense,) was dismissed by the prosecution.
“Although the officer had probable cause to arrest the defendant for this charge, the commonwealth would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt,” Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Robert Opsitnick wrote in a court filing as reason for the dismissal.
Cornelius was arrested on Oct. 29, 2017 after a Northampton Police Officer on patrol on Ryan Road saw a truck traveling approximately 50 mph in a 35 mph zone at around 2:15 a.m. and partially cross over the center line, according to court documents. The officer tried to pull Corenlius over but was unsuccessful. The officer located him parked in a driveway where police said Cornelius attempted to pull away from the officer.
Cornelius was able to run away from the officer but was stopped by another Northampton officer.
He was represented by attorney Thomas Kokonowski.
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.