Luc Eppinger

A Zelienople man was placed into the county Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program Wednesday, after being charged with assaulting three police officers.

Luc T. Eppinger, 25, was placed into the program for two years by Butler County Judge William Shaffer. He was also ordered to continue any ongoing treatment.

Zelienople police filed the charges after responding to an intoxicated man causing a disturbance outside a home. When police attempted to take him into custody, Eppinger 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 an officer, documents said, while continuing to scream and yell. Officers were finally able to get Eppinger in the car, but once inside, police said, he kicked the door and window.

When officers attempted to make him stop, he kicked an officer in the mouth, according to a police affidavit, and tried to spit on the officer.

He then continued kicking and spitting at other officers, police said.

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, police said. 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.

Assistant District Attorney Terri Schultz said the officers involved had been contacted regarding the ARD plea, and agreed with the outcome of the case.

Eppinger's attorney, Wesley Hamilton, said “Mr. Eppinger is extremely pleased to be accepted into this program.”