Former Port Jefferson cop changes his plea

A former part-time police officer patrolling the streets of Port Jefferson changed his pleas to guilty Thursday morning on charges of vandalism and discharging a firearm in a motor vehicle.

Michael Blankenship, 30, of Bellefontaine, on the morning of Labor Day, called Shelby County dispatch to report that he just had an exchange of gun fire with a passing motorist and that he wrecked his cruiser just west of  Port  Jefferson on State Route 47. Blankenship also asked for a squad, claiming that he was injured.

Several hours later, after being flown by CareFlight o Miami Valley Hospital, he admitted he made up the story and lied about his injuries.

His trial in Shelby County Common Pleas Court was scheduled to begin on February 23.

His sentencing will come in about 6 weeks after a pre-sentence investigation is completed by the adult probation department.