La Plata, MD – Most of us have seen the Bill Murray movie, “What About Bob?” That movie, while intending to be a comedy, did portray a very serious condition called agoraphobia, in which the victim is stricken with panic attacks, usually in situations involving large groups of people.
For Michael Peter Truckner Jr., 44 of Waldorf, it is not clear if his condition led to charges of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest—a total of 10 counts—from events that occurred Nov. 15, 2013.
Truckner pled guilty to the resisting arrest charge April 14, 2014 and was given three years, all suspended but four days and he was given credit for 140 days credit and handed five years of supervised probation.
Early on, however, Truckner had problems abiding by the rules of probation, which landed him back before Charles County Circuit Court Judge Helen I. Harrington Tuesday, Nov. 24.
Agent Peterson from Parole and Probation told Harrington that the defendant’s attendance has improved.
“We got a letter from the health department telling us that he can’t be around crowds,” the agent explained. “We spoke with him and told him he needed to be back in the program and he came back, he is reporting and he has a better attitude. We have a better understanding of his situation,” she said.
“I concur with Agent Peterson,” Charles County Assistant State’s Attorney John Stackhouse said. “He’s really been given a second chance. He is doing what he is supposed to be doing. It was rough at first but he got the point.”
Charles County Assistant Public Defender Elizabeth Connell said Truckner admitted the violation of probation Aug. 13 and asked the court to continue her client on probation.
Connell said Truckner’s condition led to problems adhering to probation early on.
“Most people know about this condition from the movie ‘What About Bob,’ ” she said. “While the movie was funny, the condition is very real. What we take for granted causes panic attacks in people with this condition. It is difficult for him to interact with big groups of people. He does do it. It helps him.”
“I wasn’t aware of my condition until two years ago,” Truckner told Harrington. “I had 80 percent hearing loss. I got hearing aids, and it’s the first time I’ve been able to hear in my life. I’m really trying to do everything I’m supposed to do. I have a friend go with me. It’s easier.”
“You’ve shown a great deal of courage,” Harrington said. “It’s not easy, but it is treatable. You’re not going to be the life of the party, but if you take those baby steps you’ll get where you want to be.”
Harrington said she was going to note the violation and continue the defendant on probation.
“Keep your agent happy,” she told him.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com