By Linda Metz, Staff writer

lmetz@observer-reporter.com

Charges against a Canonsburg man accused of assaulting five police officers in two separate incidents and shooting a Washington man in another incident were dismissed Monday as a result of his recent indictment by a federal grand jury on a weapons violation.

Attempted homicide and aggravated assault charges were dismissed against Antonio E. Wright, 38, whose last known address is Vine Street, by Washington County Judge Paul Pozonsky. The judge's decision came on a request by Assistant District Attorney Josh Carroll.

Wright now will be in federal custody awaiting disposition on the weapons violation that stemmed from his March 15, 2006, arrest in Washington, during which he possessed a Glock .40-caliber handgun. Wright previously had been convicted of charges of robbery and escape in Allegheny County. Federal law prohibits his possessing a firearm.

Wright initially was accused of firing shots at David Piatt. When Washington police tried to take Wright into custody several days after the shooting, he allegedly assaulted one city police officer and pointed a gun at the head of another officer.

Wright, who was taken to UPMC-Presbyterian hospital in Pittsburgh for injuries suffered in his struggle with police, then tried to escape from state police custody, injuring two state troopers in the attempt.

Wright now faces a maximum of 15 years to life in prison on the federal charges. He is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local police to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crimes.

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