Charleroi man accused of assaulting sheriff’s deputy
A Charleroi man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly assaulted a Washington County sheriff’s deputy who was attempting to serve him with a protection from abuse order.
John Regis Wallace Jr., 59, of 313 Crest Ave., is charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, harassment and disorderly conduct in connection with the incident about 5:30 p.m. at his home.
Deputy Ronald Catrain Jr., along with Deputy Christopher Bioni, went to the home with the PFA order signed by a judge from Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas. Wallace, formerly of Derry, recently moved into his son’s Charleroi home.
After deputies knocked at the door, Wallace reportedly came out and demanded to know why he received a telephone call Friday telling him he would be served with paperwork within an hour and questioned why they had just arrived. The deputies could smell a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on Wallace.
When Catrain tried to explain the process to Wallace, he became more irate and belligerent and came directly at the deputy. Catrain reportedly told Wallace that if he did not back up, he would be arrested. Wallace then reportedly stated “Oh you are real tough” before chest-bumping the deputy. Catrain noted in court documents that Wallace was twice the size of himself and his partner.
Wallace reportedly fought with deputies as they tried to take him into custody. Charleroi Regional police responded to assist.
Wallace was arraigned before District Judge Jay Weller on the charges and placed in Washington County jail on $25,000 bond. He faces an Aug. 23 preliminary hearing before District Judge Larry Hopkins.