Police charge Grindstone woman with assaulting three troopers
State police have charged a Grindstone woman with assaulting three troopers Sunday at the home of a former Redstone Township police officer.
Police allege in the report that they responded a domestic disturbance around 5:30 a.m. involving Amanda Lee Orris, 26, and Norman Howard, 42, former officer-in-charge for Redstone Township, at their home on Wards Road in Grindstone.
Upon arrival, troopers spoke to Howard who related that his girlfriend, Orris, was inside the residence, allegedly highly intoxicated and threatening to kill herself, police said.
Police allege that troopers tried to contact Orris several times, but she refused to let them inside.
When police made entry into the residence, troopers handcuffed Orris for safety reasons, police said.
Police allege that as she was being escorted from the residence, she pushed off the front door with her legs and began to kick at troopers with her feet. Police said during the alleged struggle, she kicked troopers Justin Handlin, Jason Delaini and Raymond Harding who had to carry her away from the house.
Police allege when she was placed in the back of the police cruiser, she continued to scream as well as kick the door and seat.
Police said Orris, 26, was charged with three counts of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Orris was arraigned Sunday by Magisterial District Judge Randy Abraham, who set bond at $50,000. Orris remains in Fayette County Prison.
Howard and Orris were arrested Sept. 1 after the two allegedly bit and otherwise assaulted each other at the couple’s home on Wards Road.
State police Trooper Marc A. Ziegler wrote in the criminal complaint that he observed that Orris had a broken front tooth and a bite mark on her shoulder. Howard was found with scratches to his neck, according to the report.
Redstone Township supervisors placed Howard on unpaid administrative leave in September based on his arrest after an alleged domestic dispute with Orris.
Howard, who was a sergeant with the township’s force and functioned as the officer in charge, gave supervisors his resignation during their Sept. 10 meeting.
Howard and Orris were arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Michael Metros and charged with simple assault and harassment.
Each was later released on $5,000 unsecured bond, according to court documents.
When Howard and Orris appeared on Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Wendy Dennis, both had their hearings rescheduled.
Senior Deputy Attorney General William F. Caye II said Howard will undergo domestic abuse and anger management counseling.
He said the court will review his progress within the next 60 days before determining how to proceed with the case.
Orris did not have legal counsel, so she was granted time to hire an attorney.