Man faces assault, fleeing charges

A man faces felony charges after allegedly running from and fighting with police on Penn State property.

According to the criminal complaint filed by Penn State police, officers were dispatched at about 9 p.m. Wednesday to Lot 44 between the Bryce Jordan Center and Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for a report of an intoxicated individual preparing to leave in a vehicle.

Officers approached a car and observed the person, identified as Anthony D. Simonetti, 27, of Yeagertown, sitting in the passenger seat of the running vehicle. Officers had reportedly encountered Simonetti earlier at Medlar Field and were aware he had consumed alcohol.

Simonetti was observed drinking from a beer can, police said, and was told to exit the vehicle. He reportedly had difficulty balancing as he exited.

As officers interviewed him, police said, Simonetti “immediately” fled on foot, attempting to evade officers. He was subsequently caught.

After being caught, he tried to break free of officers’ grasps, police said, and attempted to strike one officer, grabbing him around the head and neck. He was secured in handcuffs.

A search revealed a small plastic container of marijuana, police said.

Simonetti was arraigned Thursday before District Judge Steven Lachman, according to court documents, and charged with one felony count of aggravated assault and misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest, escape, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and disorderly conduct. Bail was set at 10 percent of $20,000.

Simonetti was taken to the Centre County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is slated for June 28.

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 11:43 AM with the headline "Man faces assault, fleeing charges."