Man Accused Of Using Child As Human Shield To Undergo Alcohol Counseling

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A man facing charges after a violent domestic dispute led to him allegedly using his child as a human shield appeared in court on Wednesday.

Police say 27-year-old Troy Wazny was intoxicated, and used his own son as a shield during the June incident. He is facing charges of reckless endangerment, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Wazny appeared in District Judge Beth Mill's office Tuesday for a scheduled hearing. But, now, he may end up never having to go to trial.

At the last minute, the hearing was postponed, after the judge, police and Wazny's lawyer, agreed to put everything off for three months while the suspect continues to receive help for his alcohol problem.

Defense attorney Charles LoPresti told KDKA-TV's Ralph Iannotti, "Although we haven't made any specific deal for the future, the officer felt that allowing him to continue with his counseling, allowing him the psychological counseling he needs... we'll come back in October and review everything, and hopefully, have everything settled here at the District Court level."

Wazny and his ex-girlfriend share custody of their 5-year-old son.

When the boy's mother came to Wazny's home to pick the child up last month, authorities say Wasny and the woman got into a fight. When police showed up, they said Wazny, who was combative, opened the door and allowed this dog to attack a police K-9 named Ryker.

The two dogs started to fight, and according to police, they had to kick the pit bull off of Ryker.

Police also said before Wazny was taken into custody, he used his son as a "human shield" between himself and the officers.

LoPresti said his client "is a young guy."

"I think alcohol had to do with the way this was enflamed; and honestly, it was a situation that, without alcohol, cooler heads could have prevailed and it didn't need to happen," LoPresti said.

Wazny's next scheduled hearing is set for Oct. 26.

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