Police Say Man Drinking Beer in Car Attempted to Flee, Assaulted Officer

A Yeagertown man is facing charges including aggravated assault after police say he attempted to escape and fought with an officer on the Penn State campus Wednesday night.

According to a criminal complaint, at about 9 p.m., two Penn State Police officers responded to Lot 44 off Porter Road for a report of an individual who was believed to be intoxicated and preparing to leave in a vehicle. Police say that as the officers approached the running vehicle they observed Anthony D. Simonetti, 26, sitting in the passenger seat, drinking from a 32-ounce can of Miller High Life.

Police reportedly encountered Simonetti earlier in the night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park and were aware he had consumed alcohol.

After an officer told Simonetti to exit the vehicle, he showed signs of intoxication, including poor balance, police said. As the officer was conducting a field interview, Simonetti reportedly fled on foot, attempting to evade both officers.

An officer caught Simonetti in the parking lot and both fell to the ground, according to the complaint. Police said Simonetti tried to break free of the officer’s grasp. In the struggle, Simonetti allegedly tried to strike the officer in the head and grabbed him around the head and neck.

Police said that after Simonetti was handcuffed a small plastic container of marijuana was found in his pocket.

He is charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, escape, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct. He also faces a summary charge of public drunkenness.

Simonetti was arraigned Thursday morning before District Judge Steven Lachman. Bail was set at 10 percent of $20,000.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 28.