January 28, 2012 Pa. constable charged with assault in traffic stop www.privateofficer.com
TUNKHANNOCK PA Jan 28 2012 - A constable has been charged in Wyoming County with simple assault and harassment in connection with a traffic stop he made in August.
George G. Horwatt, 57, of Skyview Drive, Dallas, allegedly used a pepper spray/Mace-like substance on James Goodrich, 41, of Monroe Twp., and a 12-year-old boy he pulled over on Aug. 28.
According to a criminal complaint, Mr. Horwatt told Dallas Twp. police Officer John Mendygral that Mr. Goodrich’s Pontiac Grand Am “pulled out from Fernbrook to Route 309 causing me to stop immediately” to avoid hitting him.
Mr. Horwatt said the car was “swerving throughout the roadway,” so he called Luzerne County 911 and then Wyoming County 911 after he crossed the county line.
After he pulled Mr. Goodrich over, Mr. Horwatt said he felt the Monroe Twp. man was threatening him and warned him several times before spraying him.
Mr. Goodrich, who said wind and rain caused by Hurricane Irene caused adverse driving conditions, was treated at the scene for irritation to his eyes. His son was taken to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital by ambulance, according to the criminal complaint.
Mr. Horwatt faces two counts each of simple assault, official oppression with an arrest search, disorderly conduct and related charges.
Magisterial District Judge Carl Smith set bail Wednesday for Mr. Horwatt at $5,000, unsecured, and said he would schedule a full preliminary hearing in the near future
Source:thetimes-tribune.com
Tags: George G. Horwatt, Pa. constable charged with assault in traffic stop
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