NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) — A Pennsylvania State Constable was injured as he attempted to subdue a New Bethlehem man who was fleeing from authorities on Saturday.
According to court documents, Clarion-based State Police filed criminal charges against 36-year-old Junior Charles Hanley, of New Bethlehem.
According to a criminal complaint, around 9:36 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, a Pennsylvania State Constable requested state police assistance in serving a domestic relations warrant on Junior Charles Hanley.
Authorities responded to a residence on the 600 block of Wood Street in New Bethlehem. When officers knocked on the side door, Junior Hanley came to it and moved a blanket away from the glass. He was advised that officers had a warrant for his arrest, and he was asked to exit the residence. At that point, Hanley threw down the blanket to cover the window, which was already broken, and the officers heard him running away from the door. They pursued Hanley through the house and out the front door.
The constable attempted to take Hanley into custody, and as he placed his hands on Hanley’s back, the momentum caused Hanley to go down, dragging the constable over a six-foot wall. During the fall, the constable was injured, suffering a broken leg, a bruised elbow, and bleeding on the brain.
As Hanley reached the bottom of the wall, he immediately got up and attempted to run. Hanley was confronted in the middle of Wood Street/State Route 66. He was given verbal commands, and an officer retrieved his taser and pointed it at Hanley while warning him he was going to be tased. Hanley stopped after backing away, began to clench his hands into fists, and the trooper deployed his taser, striking Hanley in the chest. He was then taken into custody, according to the complaint.
The injured state constable was transported to Clarion Hospital by ambulance. He is awaiting surgery, according to the complaint.
The following charges were filed against Hanley at District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller’s office on Monday, February 12:
– Aggravated Assault, Felony 1
– Resist Arrest/Other Law Enforce, Misdemeanor 2
He is currently lodged in the Clarion County Jail.
Hanley is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
