By Kathie O. Warco

Staff writer

kwarco@observer-reporter.com

BURGETTSTOWN - A Smith Township police officer was assaulted Wednesday morning while apprehending a Slovan man accused of breaking into a home.

Christopher Robert Allen, 21, is accused of assaulting Officer Ryan Hoffman.

Hoffman was called about 4:30 a.m. to a reported burglary at 14 John St., said township police Officer Michael North. Although the suspect had left by the time he arrived, Hoffman remained in the area.

A short time later, Allen reportedly ran in front of the police cruiser. Hoffman chased him into some bushes and ordered him out.

The two struggled for several minutes, North said. Allen grabbed Hoffman and threw him on the ground. Hoffman was taken to Washington Hospital for treatment of a sprained back and neck.

North said Allen stole narcotic drugs including about 60 Vicodin pills and fentanyl patches; he purportedly knew the residents of the house he is accused of burglarizing and was aware drugs might be inside.

North said Allen will be charged with burglary, theft, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, loitering and prowling at night and criminal mischief. He was placed in Washington County Jail on an adult probation detainer.

Police also will charge Allen in connection with a burglary early Monday in the township.

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