The man accused of injuring three New Britain officers and dragging one of them behind his car on Thursday appeared bruised and bleeding in a New Britain courtroom on Friday.
Police tracked Richard Moore, 43, to the area of the Batterson Park boat launch on Alexander Road to arrest him just before noon Thursday. Three officers – and Moore – were hurt when he tried to get away.
He was taken into custody and faced a judge Friday on assault and other charges.
Moore's girlfriend, Sheray Unger, was there to support him and explain his actions.
"The cop startled him and he drove off," Unger said.
Moore's attorney requested a chair for his client as prosecutors combed through his criminal history. Prosecutors cited a "substantial record, counting 22 printable convictions" just in Connecticut.
But Unger said she gives Moore the benefit of the doubt.
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"He is not a monster. He is not a bad person. He is the nicest person in the world," Unger said. "He has had issues in the past, absolutely. He is trying to start over."
The prosecution also emphasized the gravity of the current allegations in their push to set a high bond.
"It was only by good fortune that the police officers weren't more seriously injured in this case," prosecutors explained.
Unger alleged that Moore had no malicious intent.
"He comes from a line of police officers in his family," she said. "He would never hurt a police officer intentionally."
Moore is due back in court Nov. 13.
