TRAINER, PA — An 18-year-old man faces multiple charges after allegedly punching a police officer in the face while fleeing a traffic stop in Delaware County, leaving the officer with a bloody nose and a facial laceration.
The Trainer Borough Police Department identified the defendant as Eric Yates Jr., 18, who was arrested Saturday, Oct. 17, following a foot pursuit near Township Line Road and Forrest Street.
According to police, officers conducted a traffic stop at approximately 9:36 a.m. and encountered Yates, who was seated in the vehicle’s rear passenger seat.
During the stop, officers observed a partially burned cigarillo containing suspected marijuana in the rear center console cup holder. Police said Yates acknowledged that the cigarillo belonged to him.
As Yates exited the vehicle, he allegedly fled on foot, prompting officers to pursue him.
Investigators allege that Yates turned during the pursuit and struck an officer in the face while attempting to avoid apprehension.
The officer sustained a bloody nose and a minor laceration to his left cheek, according to police.
Yates was subsequently taken into custody.
Following the arrest, officers executed a search warrant on the vehicle and recovered the partially burned cigarillo containing suspected marijuana, along with an empty plastic bag containing suspected marijuana residue.
Yates was charged with assault of a law enforcement officer, simple assault, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, harassment and disorderly conduct.
He was arraigned Oct. 17 before Magisterial District Judge Michael A. Burns, with bail set at $50,000.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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