Man Who Jumped Off Wye Bridge While Under the Influence of Drugs Waives Hearing

Aly Delp

Aly Delp

Published April 16, 2020 4:21 am
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VENANGO CO., Pa. (EYT) – An area man who was charged after jumping off the Wye Bridge in Oil City while under the influence of drugs waived his hearing on Wednesday.

Court documents indicate the following charges against 43-year-old Michael Paul Strawbridge, of Titusville, were waived for court on Wednesday, April 15:

– False Alarm To Agency Of Public Safety, Felony 3
– Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2
– Resist Arrest/Other Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor 2
– Obstructing Emergency Services, Misdemeanor 3
– Disorder Conduct Hazardous/Physical Offense, Misdemeanor 3
– Public Drunkenness And Similar Misconduct, Summary

The charges have been transferred to the Venango County Court of Common Pleas.

Strawbridge remains lodged in the Venango County Jail on $25,000.00 monetary bail.

Details of the case:

According to a criminal complaint, around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, Michael Strawbridge willfully jumped off of the Wye Bridge into the Allegheny River while under the influence of a controlled substance or combination of controlled substances.

The complaint notes Strawbridge was observed jumping off the bridge by Oil City Police and Franklin-based State Police.

Police immediately contacted dispatch for a river rescue, causing an emergency response from the Oil City Fire Department for medical and river rescue, as well as Oil City Police, Franklin-based State Police, and Community Ambulance Service.

According to the complaint, as paramedics of the Oil City Fire Department attempted to provide medical treatment to Strawbridge along the shore of the river, he reentered the river, requiring further emergency response. He reportedly continued to resist Trooper Lindenberg, of the Franklin-based State Police, when the trooper attempted to assist the paramedics.

The complaint notes Strawbridge committed these acts during a state of emergency in Pennsylvania, as declared by Governor Tom Wolf, with diminished emergency resources.

Strawbridge was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Andrew F. Fish at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.

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