Campus police officer attacked after attempting to stop drinkers — Johnstown, PA

A Pitt-Johnstown police officer was hospitalized Sunday after a fistfight with a student in a dormitory building’s stairwell, according to police.

Campus police charged Matthew Sweeney III, 20, of Belle Vernon, Fayette County, with two counts of aggravated assault and other charges.

Police said he attacked and choked the department’s associate chief after the officer approached students in the Living/Learning Center while one was holding a beer.

Investigators said Associate Chief Eric Zangaglia received facial injuries and broke his thumb – and at one point, had to pull his gun on Sweeney in an attempt to stop the attack.

The incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. when Zangaglia noticed a group of students – Sweeney among them – with one holding a beer can.

When Zangaglia told Sweeney to step toward the stairwell, the others fled, police said. Zangaglia ordered Sweeney to provide identification, and Sweeney claimed he wasn’t a Pitt-Johnstown student, police said. When Zangaglia questioned him further, Sweeney allegedly tried to flee.

Zangaglia grabbed Sweeney’s shirt, and the two grappled. Sweeney “picked Officer Zangaglia up,” according to police, and threw him onto the stairs.

The men exchanged punches, and Sweeney allegedly choked Zangaglia while on the floor. The officer drew his handgun and threatened to shoot his assailant, according to police. Sweeney withdrew for a moment, but allegedly renewed the attack as soon as Zangaglia holstered his handgun. Zangaglia drew his pepper-spray canister and sprayed Sweeney until the student managed to break free, police said.

Campus Officer W. Daniel Dunn, in a criminal complaint filed Sunday before District Judge Michael Musulin, said Zangaglia saw Sweeney flee the center toward the campus soccer field but did not apprehend him.

http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1607573642/UPJ-student-charged-with-attacking-campus-police-officer

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