Mar 6, 2007 5:37 pm US/Eastern
Suspect In Highway Attacks Apologizes To Victims
by Ron Sanders
WORCESTER (WBZ) ―
Some emotional testimony in Worcester Tuesday as victims of highway attacks in central Massachusetts talked about how they've been affected.
Robert Canavan changed his plea to guilty and apologized for throwing rocks and bottles at passing cars on Route 49 in Spencer and East Brookfield. But victims are worried now that his sentencing has been postponed.
In a soft voice, Canavan admitted the hard truth. He was the motorist who smashed windshields of four tractor-trailers in oncoming traffic on Route 49 over eight days last September.
"It was horrible for a couple minutes. We had no idea what happened," said Bruce McKissick.
"All of a sudden a big thud on the windshield. Glass was flying at my face and everywhere," said Cheryl McKissick.
The glass left the McKissicks with minor injuries after a bottle of sunscreen was thrown through their windshield.
"My blood pressure's way up now because of this. I've lost time from work," said Stefan Kiss or Berlin, Connecticut.
Stefan was driving down Route 49 when a rock smashed his truck's windshield.
He and the McKissicks were in Worcester Superior Court as Canavan read an apology.
"I'm sorry to the victims, their families, my family... friends, police departments and the people who investigated this and the people who were scared because of my actions," said Canavan.
The father of three had no previous record. His attorney says his client acted-out irrationally after he and his wife separated in the middle of financial difficulties.
"He's a guy who led a normal life and fell apart at 30," said defense attorney John Roemer.
"Your life can fall apart but you don't hurt other people," said Cheryl McKissick.
Canavan is charged with assault and property destruction but is asking for probation.
The prosecutor is seeking 4-to-5 years in prison, with 5-years probation and license suspension.
"I mean, my wife could have been killed. My children could have been parentless because of him because of why? No reason," said Bruce McKissick.
The judge postponed sentencing until next week saying he could exceed sentencing guidlines but Canavan could withdraw his guilty plea if he doesn't like the sentence.
Two of the indictments against Canavan were dropped because police believe that was the work of a copy cat.
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