Truck Driver Arrested For Allegedly Trying To Choke Trooper During Traffic Stop
WIMMERTON UNITY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – A truck driver has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a Pennsylvania State Police trooper during a traffic stop.
According to police, the incident happened on State Route 30 in Wimmerton Unity Township, Westmoreland County on Saturday.
Trooper Eric Zona, of the Greensburg Barracks, pulled over a tractor-trailer being driven by Duane Winchell, 65, of Latrobe.
During the traffic stop, Winchell allegedly became irate and grabbed Trooper Zona around the neck.
"The operator was pretty much inviting the trooper to a fight through the door," Trooper Stephen Limani told KDKA's Ross Guidotti.
That's when the two started wrestling on the side of the highway.
A passerby called 9-1-1 and backup arrived to help Trooper Zona.
As a result of the physical altercation, Winchell was taken into custody. He is now facing a list of charges including, aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and resisting arrest.
Winchell was placed in the Westmoreland County Jail on $20,000 straight cash bond.
Troopers say Winchell was simply facing a warning if he had just stopped.
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