Police say suspect was kicking, spitting
ZELIENOPLE — A Lancaster Township man faces a hearing next week on charges he kicked a borough police officer in the face.
The suspect, 23-year-old Luc T. Eppinger, also is accused of kicking at two other officers and spitting at police and paramedics during the altercation Thursday night that started on Hazel Street.
Zelienople police came upon Eppinger about 9:40 p.m. after they were called for an intoxicated man causing a disturbance outside a home. The officers' arrival did not deter his rowdy behavior, according to court documents.
He subsequently turned his profanities at police when they told him to calm down or be arrested.
When officers detained Eppinger, he allegedly threw himself to the ground. Police picked him up but he resisted their attempts to place him in a cruiser.
He eventually tried to kick Patrolman Sean Adomaitis, documents said, while continuing to scream and yell. Police were finally able to get the defendant in the car.
But once inside, police said, he kicked the door and window. Adomaitis opened the door and told Eppinger to stop. He tried kicking the officer.
While Adomaitis attempted to restrain Eppinger's ankles, the defendant managed to pull one foot away and kicked the officer in the mouth, according to a police affidavit. He tried to spit on the officer, too.
Jackson Township Patrolman Vaughn Pulgini, who had arrived to assist, moved in to help place the suspect in ankle restraints. Still, police said, Eppinger continued spitting.
He also is accused of kicking at Pulgini and Zelienople Patrolman Erik Magness.
Officers at the Zelienople police station had to carry Eppinger inside when he refused to get out of the cruiser. He was placed in a holding cell but he remained unruly.
At one point, documents said, he threw himself against the cell and onto the floor, injuring the side of his face.
Harmony EMS paramedics were called to treat him. Police said he yelled obscenities and spit at the medical crew.
District Judge Wayne Seibel on Friday morning arraigned Eppinger on felony charges of aggravated assault and aggravated harassment by a prisoner.
He also is charged with three counts each of simple assault and disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, all misdemeanors, and public drunkenness, a summary.
Eppinger is free on $2,500 bail. His preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 3 at Seibel's office in Evans City.
