Police: Off-Duty Officer Dragged Breaking Up Fight, Suspect Arrested
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BUTLER (KDKA) - A man accused of dragging an off-duty police officer who tried to intervene during an argument has been arrested.
According to the criminal complaint, Lee Rapsinski, 20, of Penn Township, got into an argument with another man, threatened him with a knife and then threatened to kill him.
The incident happened on Saturday near the intersection of Dinnerbell and Whitaker roads in Jefferson Township around 4:19 p.m.
Butler Township Officer Rachel Dovidio saw the altercation, identified herself as an off-duty Butler Township police officer to the men. She tried to stop the fight, called police and told the men to stay where they were.
Rapinski got out of the vehicle, removed the license plate and attempted flee the scene. Dovidio opened the driver's side door in an effort to stop Rapinski. However, Rapinski quickly began to drive and dragged Dovidio until she fell from the vehicle.
Police were able to track Rapinski's SUV to a home in Butler, where he was found hiding in a wooded area. State troopers also smelled alcohol on Rapinski when they spoke with him at the home.
Rapinski is facing a list of charges including, simple assault, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and harassment. He is being held in the Butler County Prison on $50,000 bond.
He is also being kept behind bars for a probation violation for statutory sexual assault for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl.
Dovidio was not hurt and has since returned to work.
