Arrest May Put Peterson Back Behind Bars

N E W  Y O R K, Sept. 28 -- A bottle tossed at a baseball player vilified by New Yorkers has complicated life for a convicted felon from New Jersey.

Brian Peterson, on probation for the 1996 killing of his newbornson, was released on his own recognizance Wednesday after pleadinginnocent to charges of interfering with police.

“Up until now, he hasn’t had the slightest anything go wrong oranything be untoward,” Peterson’s attorney, Russell Gioiella, saidafter the court appearance.

Peterson, 22, was arrested Tuesday after a friend allegedlythrew a bottle at Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker during a gameagainst the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.

When police tried to arrest Raymond Maniaci, of Wyckoff, N.J.,Peterson, his hometown friend, allegedly got between them andManiaci and refused to step away.

Peterson told his mother, Barbara Zuchowski, that it was amisunderstanding, that he was turning to step away as one officerhad instructed, said his Delaware lawyer, Joseph Hurley.

Corrections officials will review a copy of the complaint and arecommendation from Peterson’s parole officer before deciding ifhis arrest will have any effect on his probation status.

Peterson pleaded guilty in 1998 to manslaughter — along with hisgirlfriend, Amy Grossberg — in the November 1996 death of theirnewborn son at a motel room in Delaware.

Peterson was given a two-year sentence, six months shorter thanGrossberg’s, after he agreed to testify against her. He wasreleased after serving 1½ years and is currently serving a two-yearprobation. Peterson also was sentenced to complete 300 hours ofcommunity service and pay a $6,000 fine.

Beth Welch, a spokeswoman for the Delaware Department ofCorrections, said Peterson received permission from his probationofficer to attend Tuesday’s game.

Conviction May Not End ProbationA misdemeanor conviction for resisting arrest, disorderlyconduct and harassment would not necessarily mean his probationwould be revoked, said Welch, but added, “Anything is possible.”