Scranton police charged a man with felony assault after he pushed an officer down the steps of his back porch, according to a criminal complaint.
At about 12:30 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to 703 Hampton St., to serve a mental health warrant on Dion Leepier, 26. Officer Mark Miller knocked on the front door and Leepier answered.
According to the criminal complaint:
After Miller explained he was serving the warrant on Leepier, Leepier grabbed the officer’s shoulders and began pushing past him.
When Miller attempted to restrain him, both men fell down the steps of the back porch.
Leepier got up and began running away. When Miller caught up to him, he continued to resist.
During a struggle, Leepier spun out of his jacket and shoes and fled.
Sgt. Robert Stanek joined the pursuit and the two officers ordered Leepier to the ground and arrested him.
Police noted that Miller’s shirt was torn during his altercation with Leepier.
Leepier is charged with aggravated assault of a police officer and damaging personal property.
He remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on Nov. 20 before District Judge Paul Keeler.