Man threatened, kicked officer, police say

A Monroe County man faces charges in Centre County after allegedly fighting with police officers early Friday.

According to the criminal complaint filed by State College police, two officers observed two males fighting in the middle of the road at about 2:15 a.m. along the 100 block of South Garner Street. One man, identified as John M. Wathen IV, 23, of Stroudsburg, was reportedly seen choking the other man before they exchanged punches.

Wathen was knocked unconscious and was lying in the road when officers reached them, police said. The second man was detained after trying to leave the scene as officers reportedly attempted to provide medical care for Wathen.

After regaining consciousness, Wathen attempted to walk away after being told to remain on the ground, police said. He was described as having mumbled speech and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.

He refused to remain seated and continually attempted to push past officers while swearing, police said, so officers attempted to put him in handcuffs until the investigation was over. He reportedly resisted being handcuffed after being advised he was under arrest.

A third officer arrived to help keep Wathen under control, police said, and tried to keep his legs restrained. Wathen was able to free one of his legs and allegedly kicked the officer in the chest. He was eventually immobilized and placed in a patrol unit.

Wathen continued to curse at officers, police said, and yelled about “cutting out (the officer’s) liver.” He was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center for treatment.

The second man involved in the fight has not yet been charged, police said.

Wathen was arraigned Friday before District Judge Kelley Gillette-Walker, according to court documents, and charged with a felony count of aggravated assault and misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and simple assault. Straight monetary bail was set at $100,000.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 11.

This story was originally published September 29, 2017 at 6:18 PM with the headline "Man threatened, kicked officer, police say."