Charges Fly In Irvin Trial

Defense attorneys attacked a policeman’s account of events and officers’ evidence-collecting procedures as the felony drug possession trial for Michael Irvin resumed with yet another twist.

The Dallas Cowboys receiver was subpoenaed to testify at an examining hearing for former Dallas police officer Johnnie Hernandez, who is accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill Irvin.

John H. Read, an attorney for Hernandez, said he wanted Irvin to testify about reported threats against Hernandez’s girlfriend, Rachelle Smith. Both Hernandez and Smith have been subpoenaed as potential witnesses in Irvin’s trial.

Read agreed to drop the subpoena after meeting with Irvin’s attorneys.

Meanwhile, Irving police officer Jonathan Plunkett - one of four officers answering a disturbance call at the Residence Inn last March - testified in Irvin’s trial about the tactics police used in entering the motel room.

Under questioning by prosecutor Shannon Ross, Plunkett said he drew his gun inside the room after officer Les Motheral pulled out his weapon when he saw someone on the stairs inside the twostory suite.

During cross-examination by defense attorney Don Godwin, Plunkett contradicted himself by admitting testifying previously he drew his gun as soon as the motel door opened all the way.