Newbie Man Allegedly Punches Cop After Being Arrested for $5 Snow Shoveling Scam

joseph-supik-mugNEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) – Authorities in New Bethlehem say a 24-year-old man faces multiple charges after allegedly portraying himself as an employee of the Redbank Valley Municipal Authority, then resisting arrest while being served a warrant.

Supik Allegedly Pretends to be Employee of the Redbank Valley Municipal Authority

A criminal complaint indicates that on February 17, the New Bethlehem Police Department received a call alerting them that 24-year-old Joseph David Supik, II, of New Bethlehem, allegedly went to a residence on Wood Street in New Bethlehem and portrayed himself as an employee of the Redbank Valley Municipal Authority (RVMA). While at the residence, Supik allegedly attempted to obtain money from the female occupant.

During an interview with the occupant’s caretaker, Sergeant Roger E. Wright, of the New Bethlehem Police Department, determined that an individual identified as Supik allegedly knocked on the door at the residence around 5:00 p.m. on February 17.

Supik allegedly told the female caretaker who answered the door that he was employed by RVMA; he was going to shovel the sidewalk at the residence; and he needed $5.00 to do so, the complaint states.

The caretaker allegedly advised Supik that the occupant already had an individual who shoveled her sidewalk. Supik allegedly asked who it was, and when the caretaker told him the person’s name, he allegedly told her that person was currently in jail for selling marijuana, according to the complaint.

The caretaker told police that Supik was upset and allegedly stated, “You can’t even afford $5.00 to shovel the walk?”

The caretaker then closed the door on Supik, the complaint indicates.

New Bethlehem Police Department Calls in Supik for Interview

Sergeant Wright called Supik to come to the New Bethlehem Police Department for an interview, and Supik arrived with his father. When Sergeant Wright advised Supik’s father that he could have a seat in the lobby while Supik was in the interview room, Supik requested that his father come back with him. Sergeant Wright told him that since he was over 18-years-old, his father could wait, the complaint states.

Supik became agitated and allegedly began yelling, “My lawyer said he wants my dad in there with me.”

Sergeant Wright then told Supik that since he had retained a lawyer, he no longer wished to speak with him and would just file the appropriate charges, according to to the complaint.

Supik then yelled, “This is f***ing bull****, I will have your badge in the morning,” the complaint indicates.

Supik was then advised to leave the station, and he allegedly continued to yell and was again told to leave by Sergeant Wright. He then allegedly dialed his phone and said he was calling his lawyer as he walked out the front door, the complaint states.

Arrest Warrant Issued for Supik

On February 27, around 2:25 p.m., Sergeant Wright received notice from District Magistrate Jeffrey C. Miller’s office that an arrest warrant had been issued on Supik. Chief Scott Ryan and Sergeant Wright took copies of the warrant and proceeded to Supik’s residence at 418 Washington Street, according to the criminal complaint.

Supik Allegedly Resists Arrest, Assaults Sergeant Wright

The complaint indicates that Supik’s stepmother invited Chief Ryan and Sergeant Wright into the residence. Supik was walking down the stairs and asked what was going on.

Sergeant Wright advised Supik of the arrest warrant, and Supik stated that he “just talked to his lawyer,” and he was not going anywhere with them, the complaint continues.

Sergeant Wright grabbed Supik by his left arm and asked him to put his arms behind his back. Supik pulled his left arm and then pushed Sergeant Wright away by punching the left side of his chest with his right arm. Sergeant Wright took Supik to the ground, giving verbal commands for him to stop resisting. Supik did not comply at first, but then stated he was done and that he would “listen,” according to the complaint.

Sergeant Wright then handcuffed Supik and placed him in the rear of the New Bethlehem Police Cruiser.

Supik Faces Preliminary Hearing for February 17 Incident

According to court documents, Supik faces the following charges from the February 17 incident:

– Theft by Deception, Misdemeanor 3
– Disorderly Conduct, Summary

Supik was arraigned on February 27 in front of Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller, and a bail hearing occurred on March 2.

Bail was set at $10,000.00 Unsecured.

A preliminary hearing for the February 17 incident is scheduled for March 3, 2015, at 9:45 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller.

Supik Awaits Preliminary Hearing for February 27 Incident

Supik faces the following additional charges from the February 27 incident:

– Aggravated Assault, Serious Injury to Police, Felony 1
– Resist Arrest or Other Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor 2

A preliminary hearing for the February 27 incident has not been scheduled.


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