JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – A hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday for a man who reportedly assaulted a state trooper at a hospital during a rather bizarre incident.
Court documents indicate 41-year-old Michael Shaffer, of Punxsutawney, is scheduled to stand for a preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24.
He faces the following charges:
- Aggravated Assault – Attempts to cause or causes Bodily Injury to designated individuals, Felony 2
- DUI: General Impairment/Incapable of Driving Safely – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- DUI: Controlled Substance – Impaired Ability – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- DUI: Controlled Substance – Combination Alcohol/Drugs – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
- Resist Arrest/Other Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor 2
- Disorderly Conduct-Unreasonable Noise, Misdemeanor 3
- Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
- Disorder Conduct Hazardous/Physical Offense, Summary
- Public Drunkenness And Similar Misconduct, Summary (two counts)
- Operate Vehicle Without Valid Inspect, Summary
He is currently lodged in the Jefferson County Jail on $40,000.00 monetary bail.
The charges stem from an incident that began at a Young Township, Jefferson County residence in early March.
Details of the case:
According to a criminal complaint, around 2:48 p.m. on Monday, March 2, a known victim reported a man had attempted to gain entry to his residence on Walston Road in Young Township.
Troopers from the Punxsutawney-based State Police responded to the scene and interviewed the victim and his wife.
According to the complaint, it was discovered that a male had knocked on the door of their residence while the victim’s wife and children were inside. The man allegedly told the victim’s wife he was there “to see a young boy” and she then closed the door and told him to leave.
The man then allegedly attempted to open the door, and the victim’s wife told him she could speak to him through the door. She then called the victim, who was next door. The victim walked over to the house and saw a man in a red SUV with a known registration attempting to leave the area. He told police the man stated “I will live here” before leaving.
The complaint notes the victim’s wife also told police she believed the man was under the influence of something.
He reportedly fled the scene on Walston Road, traveling toward State Route 36.
According to the complaint, a search of the vehicle’s registration found it was registered to Michael Shaffer.
Trooper Burkett traveled to Shaffer’s residence and found the vehicle in question in his driveway. Troopers Liddle, Nicholson, Hooven, and Malloy then arrived at the scene to assist.
The complaint states a man, identified as Shaffer’s father, opened a garage door and informed the troopers that Shaffer was inside the house, in his bedroom, and was sick. The man allowed the troopers into the residence and showed them Shaffer’s bedroom.
According to the complaint, they found Shaffer on his bed, making involuntary movements and speaking irrationally. His pupils appeared to be extremely dilated, and he smelled strongly of alcohol.
Shaffer was then handcuffed and escorted to a patrol vehicle. The complaint notes the troopers observed blood on his hands and socks and asked if he needed emergency medical attention. Shaffer stated “yeah man,” and when asked about his injuries, he allegedly began yelling “methamphetamine” repeatedly.
According to the complaint, Shaffer’s vehicle was also checked, and the troopers found the engine was still warm, and the inspection on the vehicle was expired.
Shaffer was transported to the Punxsutawney Area Hospital.
The complaint notes Shaffer was uncooperative with the troopers at the hospital and continued yelling. He allegedly stood up multiple times and told the troopers “I love you guys.” He also attempted to move closer to one of the troopers and allegedly attempted to kiss him. The trooper placed Shaffer back on the bed, but Shaffer stood up again and moved closer to the trooper. He was told to back up and was placed back on the bed again.
According to the complaint, Shaffer then stood up yet again and attempted to kiss the trooper again. The trooper then pushed Shaffer onto the bed, and a second trooper held him there and told him to stop. Shaffer then allegedly began yelling “f*** you” and kicked the first trooper with his left foot, hitting the trooper in the right shoulder.
The complaint states Shaffer was then “assisted to the floor” and leg shackles were applied.
According to the complaint, around 3:55 p.m. Shaffer agreed to the legal blood draw.
The complaint also notes a preliminary breath test conducted upon arrival at the hospital showed a positive result for alcohol.
Shaffer was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock at 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
Court documents indicate Shaffer is also scheduled for jury selection for a possible trial on May 11, on charges related to a previous DUI incident that occurred in Punxsutawney Borough on November 18, 2019.
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