Officer tackles wanted man who ran away in handcuffs, police say

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Windber-area man was jailed Tuesday after a police officer tackled him when he tried to run away in handcuffs following a traffic stop, authorities said.

Richland Township police charged Brian A. Eash, 40, of the 1200 block of Third Street in Mine 40, with attempted aggravated assault, resisting arrest, evading arrest or detention on foot, false identification and drug possession.

According to a complaint affidavit, Richland Township police allegedly stopped a maroon Chevy Impala on Scalp Avenue at 3:41 p.m. Sunday when the license plate triggered an alert on the license plate reader, indicating an expired registration.

Police ticketed the driver and identified the front-seat passenger.

A passenger in the back seat allegedly used a phony name, but he had no identification.

Police determined he was Brian Eash and was wanted in Cambria County on a warrant.

Eash allegedly tried to run after he was handcuffed, but an officer tackled him on the grass, the affidavit said.

Police allegedly recovered a bag with suspected methamphetamine and crack cocaine.

Eash was taken by EMS to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, complaining of dizziness.

While he was being evaluated, Eash allegedly became aggressive and was restrained by police and hospital security. Eash allegedly tried to bite and knee an officer, the affidavit said.

Eash was arraigned by District Judge Susan Gindlesperger, of Upper Yoder Township, and sent to Cambria County Prison in Ebensburg after failing to post 10% of $80,000 bond.