SYRACUSE -- A former Syracuse police officer involved in a drunk driving crash that injured two teenagers in Liverpool in 2006 was taken into custody this morning during a re-sentencing in Onondaga County Court.
Judge Anthony Aloi says Backus will probably be released as soon as corrections officials calculate the time he has already served. There has been question as to whether he would have to serve state prison time for the crash. But as CNY Central first told you last week, he will not head to prison.
Backus was convicted of vehicular assault for driving drunk and slamming into another car on Route 57 in Clay in 2006, injuring two local teens. The case has been filled with legal maneuverings over the last few years related to a plea deal and potential sentencing.
The appellate court in Rochester announced last week that the 8 months Backus served in the Onondaga County Correctional Facility will be sufficient to satisfy his sentence. The court cited Backus' improved behavior, stint in rehab and his ability to maintain a steady job.