Aug 21, 2008 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

A Wilkinsburg man accused of running from police, hiding on a roof and then assaulting an officer last year accepted a tentative plea deal during a preliminary hearing Tuesday. Uniontown police Office Michael C. Garrow Sr. said Bruce Dewayne Jones, 20, of 809 Franklin St. was charged before Magisterial District Judge Randy Abraham with simple assault, resisting arrest, loitering and prowling at night, recklessly endangering another person, criminal trespass, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

During the hearing before Senior Magisterial District Judge Michael Rubish, Jones waived the charges against him to Fayette County Court after accepting a tentative plea deal offered by Fayette County Assistant District Attorney Jack R. Heneks Jr.

Under the terms of the deal, Jones would be incarcerated for eight months for the incident that occurred June 11, 2007.

According to Garrow, he and officers Ray Miller, Dennis Field and Sgt. Fred Balsley responded to the area of Whiteman Avenue and Farragut Street for a report of shots fired around 11:15 p.m.

Police found several people standing outside an apartment in the area and two of them, including Jones, ran when they spotted police officers, Garrow said.

Officers pursued the Jones on several streets and alleys until they saw him run into a fenced-in yard on Crossland Avenue, Garrow said.

After searching around the home without finding anyone, Garrow used police dog Sheiko to search for Jones. Sheiko immediately located Jones on the roof, Garrow said.

Field attempted to take Jones into custody after ordering him from the rooftop several times, police said.

Jones then “fell into” Field, according to Garrow, knocking the officer down and causing injuries to his back and neck.

Jones also ripped Field’s uniform during the scuffle but was eventually subdued and taken into custody, Garrow said.

Garrow said officers found more than $1,200 in cash on Jones as well as a cellular phone containing photos of Jones holding a semi-automatic weapon and photos of cash.

Jones told police he won the money gambling, Garrow said.

Jones remains in the Fayette County Prison while awaiting formal arraignment in Fayette County Court.