Pair of Charges Dismissed in Police Assault Case

A felony charge of assaulting a police officer was dismissed by a local judge following a preliminary hearing yesterday.

Colton Kennedy, 25, of Ford City (Burrell Township) faced a total of five charges following an October 5 incident along Garretts Run Road, but that list has decreased to three following yesterday’s hearing with Magisterial District Judge Michael Gerheim in Leechburg.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, early October 5, four Pennsylvania State Police troopers responded along Garretts Run Road for a mental health commitment from Kennedy, but Kennedy became “very combative” and began to fight troopers. He spat in the face of one trooper and attempted to kick other police enforcement and paramedics.

A taser was used to try to get Kennedy to comply with commands.

However, following yesterday’s preliminary hearing, the above felony assault charge was dismissed – as was a charge of summary harassment.

Kennedy will still face charges of felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Those charges have been held for further action within the Court of Common Pleas.

After a mental health evaluation, Kennedy was arrested and transported to the Armstrong County Jail in Rayburn Township – where he is still held on $50,000 monetary bail.

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