BUTLER TWP - A suspected drunk driver remains jailed for repeatedly spitting and yelling racial epithets at a police officer following a weekend crash on North Duffy Road.

Desmond Watterson, 23, of 266 Pinehurst Drive, Center Township, also allegedly threatened to place a bomb in the car of arresting officer Michael Pearson.

Watterson is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, threats to use weapons of mass destruction, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license-DUI related, reckless driving, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

He is in the Butler County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bond.

Police said Watterson was driving a GMC Jimmy about 3:05 a.m. when the vehicle struck and severed a utility pole. Two mailboxes were also hit in the crash.

The defendant admitted to Pearson that he had been at a bar and was drunk, court documents said. The officer also reported a strong odor of alcohol coming from Watterson.

Pearson found two passengers, both injured, in the vehicle. Kenneth Renninger, a back seat passenger, was bleeding from his face and complaining of pain to his ribs.

Watterson immediately grew disorderly and made repeated racial slurs to Pearson, who is black, documents said. The defendant also spit in the officer's face.

As Pearson attempted to restrain Watterson, the passengers got out of the vehicle. The defendant allegedly kicked Renninger in the side as he got out of the vehicle's passenger side door.

Police eventually had to use chemical spray in an effort to take Watterson into custody. But the defendant got out of the vehicle and charged Pearson.

The defendant was taken to the ground but continued trying to kick, punch and bite Pearson and Sgt. Victor Drobezko, before he was placed in restraints, police said.

Watterson, who suffered unknown injuries in the crash, along with Renninger and Margaret Raub, the other passenger, were taken to Butler Memorial Hospital.

Once at the hospital, the defendant again spit blood at Pearson and made more racial slurs, documents said.

The defendant had to be strapped down onto a stretcher and a surgical mask was placed around his mouth because he would not stop spitting.

He also threatened to wait until Pearson was off duty and by himself to get him, documents said. "Watterson then stated that he would place a bomb in (Pearson's) car."

District Justice Pete Shaffer arraigned Watterson on charges. A preliminary hearing was not immediately scheduled.