A preliminary examination is set for a student who allegedly tried to drive his vehicle into a CMU police officer on Sept. 1.

The examination is set for 8:15 a.m. Thursday in Isabella County District Court, 200 N. Main St., as attorneys attempt to sort the details of the felony case involving Twin Lake senior Tony Zielinski, who allegedly tried to hit CMU police Officer Mark Smoker.

Zielinski has a past criminal history including five minor in possession of alcohol citations, court records show. Records also indicate Zielinski was driving a white 1993 Mazda with the license plate “TONY Z” and had a blood alcohol content of 0.10.

The incident occurred on CMU’s campus at the intersection of Washington Street and Hopkins Court at about 2 a.m.

Zielinski is charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a felony punishable by 10 years in prison or $5,000; assault of a police officer, a felony punishable by two years in prison and/or $2,000; and operating while intoxicated, a misdemeanor punishable by 93 days and/or $100-$500 and/or 360 hours of community service.

Attorneys will meet for a second time Thursday after already having met on Sept. 9 for an attorney conference/preliminary examination.

Mark Duthie, chief assistant prosecutor, said he will be handling the case Thursday. Court records indicate attorney Daniel O’Neil will be defending Zielinski.

“I’ll be talking to the lawyer Thursday morning and then it may be set to run with witnesses,” Duthie said. “We’ll just have to wait and see what happens on Thursday.”

Zielinski, 24, allegedly continued to drive his vehicle, disregarding Smoker who signaled for him to slow down. He was arrested an hour later north of the university, officials said.

Zielinski entered a plea of not guilty during his arraignment later that afternoon. Court records indicate Zielinski posted bond at 10 percent of $20,000.

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