PUNXSUTAWNEY BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – Felony assault and related charges have been filed against a Punxsutawney woman who reportedly hit a state trooper with a car door during a traffic stop.
Court documents indicate the Punxsutawney-based State Police filed criminal charges against 25-year-old Ashley Renae Bennett.
According to a criminal complaint, around 3:09 a.m. on July 4, Punxsutawney-based State Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on Hampton Avenue in Punxsutawney, Jefferson County.
According to the complaint, while Trooper Smolko was speaking with the driver, Ashley Bennett was sitting in the passenger seat yelling “Black Lives Matter.” Trooper Munsee walked up to the passenger side door, and at the time, Bennett looked at Trooper Munsee and opened the passenger door striking him with the door in the area of his leg and groin. Bennett then proceeded to get out of the vehicle, disregarding Trooper Munsee’s commands to get back in the vehicle. She then resisted Trooper Munsee’s attempts to detain her.
The complaint notes Bennett was highly intoxicated during the incident.
The following charges were filed against Bennett through Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on Saturday, July 4:
– Aggravated Assault – Attempts to cause or causes Bodily Injury to designated individuals, Felony 2
– Resist Arrest/Other Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor 2
– Disorderly Conduct Engage In Fighting, Misdemeanor 3
– Public Drunkenness And Similar Misconduct, Summary
Bennett is currently free on a $40,000.00 surety bond (10%) posted by a professional bondsman.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on August 6, with Judge Mizerock presiding.
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