Jan 14, 2014 2 min read

Two Scenery Hill brothers-in-law are in Washington County jail after allegedly fighting with state police who were called to assist an ambulance crew trying to treat one of the men.

David Franell, 44, of 192 Brady Road, and James D. Cowden, 40, of 182 Brady Road, were arrested late Monday afternoon. Franell is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and harassment. Cowden is charged with aggravated harassment by a prisoner, disorderly conduct, harassment and public drunkenness.

Trooper Antonio Mattone was called about 4:40 p.m. to assist a Brownsville Ambulance crew with a belligerent man at the intersection of Route 40 and Brady Road in North Bethlehem Township.

Police said Cowden was combative with emergency medical services personnel. Cowden also reportedly spat on Mattone, who was helping the EMS worker restrain the 44-year-old on a backboard. Cowden, as he struggled with the ambulance crew, referred to them using derogatory names, police said.

Franell reportedly grabbed Mattone by the coat as the trooper tried to gain control of Cowden, telling the trooper, “Don’t touch my brother.” When Mattone tried to place Franell in handcuffs, the 40-year-old resisted and then shoved the trooper, police said. Franell reportedly continued to ignore Mattone’s orders.

When Trooper Joseph Ross arrived to assist, Franell was placed in the back of Mattone’s cruiser. Cowden was taken by ambulance, with Ross following, to Washington Hospital, where he was treated for intoxication before he was released for arraignment.

Both men were arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward and placed in jail on $35,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 22 before District Judge Curtis Thompson.