Police use Taser to halt human traffic hazard
BUTLER TWP — A one-man traffic hazard had to be Tasered after a brief incident Friday night with officers, police said.
Witnesses earlier had described the suspect — Joseph Daniel Hess, 24, of New Wilmington, Lawrence County — as “acting crazy” on New Castle and North Duffy roads.
Among Hess’ odd antics, Butler Township police said, was jumping on cars and throwing objects at vehicles.
Officers eventually arrested him but not without a confrontation that police believe was fueled by alcohol, according to court documents.
District Judge Lewis. Stoughton arraigned Hess on resisting arrest, obstructing a highway, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and being an intoxicated pedestrian causing a hazard. He is free on $30,000 bail.
A call shortly before 9 p.m. started the police search for a reportedly intoxicated man sitting dangerously close to New Castle Road in the Looney Toones bar parking lot.
By the time police got there, the man was gone. A woman came out of the bar and told officers that the suspect had consumed beer and started “acting crazy,” according to court documents
Police drove westbound on the road looking for the man. On their way, another 911 call came in, reporting a man had thrown an unidentified object at a vehicle in traffic by the Walgreens pharmacy.
Officers spoke to two people there.
“They stated that there was a guy that was walking on North Duffy Road jumping on cars and acting crazy,” a police affidavit said.
One victim recounted that the suspect had jumped on the hood of his truck. He also pounded his fists on one of the windows.
A short time later, officers found Hess holding up traffic while standing on the road talking to a motorist.
Police tried to talk the defendant out of traffic. But he told them he wasn’t going anywhere, documents said.
When Sgt. Robert Murphy advised Hess that he was under arrest, documents said, he took an “aggressive stance.”
He repeatedly ignored police commands and eventually turned toward Patrolman Jeffrey Lewis, who fired his Taser.
It still took three officers to finally get Hess in handcuffs, police said.
Hess’ preliminary hearing is set for May 11.
