Trial begins Wednesday for Lynn cop accused of road rage

SALEM – Lynn police officer Geovanni Ruano, who faces charges concerning a road-rage incident last year, is expected to go on trial Wednesday in Salem Superior Court.Ruano, 46, of 15 Osborne St., Lynn, is a 13-year police department member who is currently on administrative leave. He will be tried on assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery and witness intimidation arising out of an incident July 31, 2010 in Lynn.Jury selection is expected to begin on Wednesday with Judge Howard J. Whitehead presiding over the estimated one-week trial at SalemAssistant District Attorney Maureen Wilson-Leal has listed some 34 potential witnesses in court documents and expects to introduce surveillance video, medical records, diagrams and other evidence relevant to their case.On the evening of July 31, between 10:30 p.m., and 11 p.m., Ruano, who was driving a 2003 Chevy Tahoe, was driving alone on Atlantic Terrace and Ocean Avenue and allegedly began following 24-year Richard Zelandi down Nahant Street flashing his headlights.Zelandi told authorities he took a left in his BMW convertible onto Atlantic Terrace and signaled for Ruano to go around him. Instead Ruano pulled his SUV over, got out and the two men exchanged words as Ruano identified himself as a police officer.When Zelandi questioned Ruano and asked to see his badge, Ruano proceeded to walk back towards his own car. Then came back and allegedly shoved Zelandi in the shoulder.Ruano again went back to his SUV as Zelandi walked towards his own car.Ruano jumped back into his truck, put it into drive and allegedly struck Zelandi in the lower back area and then continued to drive the SUV, with Zelandi hanging onto the front hood, for approximately 25 to 30 feet.Zelandi told police Ruano at one point slammed on his brakes and he bounced off of the SUV, suffering neck and back injuries. Ruano then sped away from the scene, but not until Zelandi was able to jot down his license plate number and call 911.Zelandi, now 25, was treated for his injuries at Union Hospital in Lynn and gave a statement to police.The next day, Ruano and his girlfriend, Catherine Foley, 33, went to the victim?s apartment on Ocean Avenue and allegedly made allegations in which he tried to encourage Zelandi not to make it a court incident and to blame himself for the night before.Foley, of 271 Lynn Shore Drive, #1, will also be tried at the same time on two counts of witness intimidation involving the case.Ruano and Foley dispute the commonwealth?s facts and maintain their innocence. They remain free pending the outcome of their trial.Attorney Thomas Drechsler of Marblehead is representing Ruano and Neil Rosman is the attorney for Foley.