Woman accused of pepper spraying Cumberland police officers
A woman is facing aggravated assault charges after Cumberland Township police said she used pepper spray on officers who were looking for her Friday night.
Debra A. Venick, 47, of 377 Air Shaft Road, faces two counts each of aggravated assault and simple assault, along with three counts of harassment and one count each of disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
Cumberland Township police received a report of a domestic dispute at Venick’s residence after she allegedly shoved her boyfriend, Michael McGrady, and walked away just after 9 p.m. Venick was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and prescription medication at the time, according to the charging documents.
Officers tried to find Venick near her home but could not. A short time later, police were called back to the area because Venick had taken her daughter’s dog when she left her home and it was heard barking in a nearby field. Officers began searching in the field around 10 p.m., with Venick’s daughter in a police cruiser calling for her dog.
Police used spotlights and cruiser lights to try to find Venick, but were unable to see her, so officers asked Carmichaels-Cumberland firefighters to use their thermal camera. While setting up the equipment, a passerby told police Venick was walking on Air Shaft Road near Crucible Road.
Police drove to the area and saw Venick, telling her to stop, the criminal complaint states. Venick refused and told officers she was going home. Venick continued to walk toward police, not listening to their commands.
Officers then pulled out their Tasers, and Venick pulled out pepper spray and started spraying it at the two Cumberland Township officers, according to court documents. Both officers then simultaneously deployed their Tasers and were able to take Venick into custody.
Venick told police the pepper spray came back on her and she felt it on her face. Neither officer felt any effects from the spray. Medics transported Venick to WHS-Greene hospital to remove the Taser probes.
Venick’s daughter was able to retrieve her dog.
Venick is free on a $30,000 percentage bond. Her preliminary hearing before District Judge Lee Watson is scheduled for Sept. 5 at 1:45 p.m.