NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) — Criminal charges against a Rimersburg man accused of attacking state troopers with a dog leash have been held for court.
According to court documents, during a preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller on Tuesday, June 5, the following charges against 50-year-old Robert Dennis Anderson, of Rimersburg, were held for court:
– Aggravated Assault, Felony 2 (three counts)
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2 (three counts)
– Resist Arrest/Other Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor 2
– Disorderly Conduct Engage in Fighting, Misdemeanor 3
– Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary (three counts)
The case has been transferred to the Clarion County Court of Common Pleas.
Anderson remains lodged in the Clarion County Jail on $50,000.00 monetary bail.
A formal arraignment is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on August 1 with The Honorable James G. Arner presiding.
Details of the case:
According to a criminal complaint, around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, Clarion-based State Police were dispatched to the area of Cherry Run Road and Chestnut Street to assist Southern Clarion County Police Department, A man allegedly tore a fan from a window of a house and was screaming inside at the occupants.
Upon arrival, Troopers Pettis and Jarrett conducted a check of the area, and a man was observed walking along Cherry Run Road with a dog. The man, later identified as Robert Anderson, matched the description of the suspect, so the troopers parked their patrol unit on Cherry Run Road and exited the vehicle.
Trooper Pettis made contact with Anderson. She announced, “State police, we would like to speak with you.”
According to the complaint, Anderson then became belligerent with the troopers and began to run away.
Troopers Pettis and Jarrett followed Anderson and again announced that they were with the state police and needed to speak to him. Anderson then approached the troopers on foot while holding his dog’s leash. At that time, Corporal Yockey also arrived at the scene to assist Troopers Pettis and Jarrett, the complaint states.
Anderson proceeded to walk toward Trooper Pettis and was able to unhook the leash from his dog. Anderson allegedly began swinging the leash in the air as he rushed toward Corporal Yockey and Troopers Pettis and Jarrett. Trooper Pettis then discharged her department-issued Taser, striking Anderson and causing him to fall to the ground. Anderson then stood back up and continued toward Trooper Pettis. She discharged another Taser round, striking Anderson again, but not causing him to fall, the complaint states.
According to the complaint, Anderson continued toward Trooper Pettis swinging the dog leash, and Trooper Jarrett then discharged his department-issued Taser, striking Anderson and causing him to fall to the ground a second time. Anderson again stood back up swinging the dog leash at the troopers and nearly striking Corporal Yockey. The leash did strike Trooper Pettis on the arm.
Corporal Yockey then discharged his department-issued Taser, striking Anderson and causing him to fall to the ground a third time. While Anderson was on the ground, Troopers Pettis and Jarrett attempted to restrain him, but he continued to struggle and swing the leash around. During the struggle, Anderson’s dog, who was free of the leash, bit Trooper Pettis on the rear of her left leg, the complaint states.
Anderson was then restrained by the troopers and transported to Clarion Hospital.
