CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – A New Bethlehem man accused of severely injuring a Pa. State Constable while fleeing from authorities was sentenced on Wednesday.
Junior Charles Hanley, 36, of New Bethlehem, who pleaded guilty to Simple Assault and Recklessly Endangering Another Person, both second-degree misdemeanor charges, stood before President Judge James G. Arner for sentencing on Wednesday, October 3.
Before his sentence was passed, Hanley was given the opportunity to address the injured state constable, who was in attendance at the court session.
“I am so sorry for what happened. My intention was never to hurt you,” Hanley said.
President Judge James Arner sentenced Hanley to a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of two years less one day incarceration on the simple assault charge and a consecutive sentence of two years probation on the reckless endangerment charge.
He will receive credit for 31 days served.
Hanley will also be required to perform 50 hours of community service.
Details of the Case:
According to a criminal complaint filed by Clarion-based State Police, 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 Hanley.
Authorities responded to a residence on the 600 Block of Wood Street in New Bethlehem. When officers knocked on the side door, 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.
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/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.
During the fall, the constable was injured, suffering a broken leg, a bruised elbow, and bleeding on the brain. He was transported to Clarion Hospital by ambulance.
