May 16, 2013 2 min read

A Millsboro man was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly threatened a neighbor and then struck an East Bethlehem Township police corporal, breaking the officer’s nose.

Township police were called about 7:45 p.m. by a neighbor of Brian Thomas, 49, of 141 Morton St. She told police a man had assaulted a woman in a nearby backyard. The man, later identified by police as Thomas, reportedly yelled obscenities and threatened the neighbor.

Cpl. William Dennison and Officer Robert Cunningham went to 141 Morton, where they said they found Thomas and LaChristi Sarver sitting on the front steps. Thomas was drinking a beer, and police said Sarver had dirt on her clothing and scratches on her leg.

The officers asked Sarver to talk with them, and Thomas reportedly became increasingly aggressive.

Police said when Dennison tried to take Thomas into custody, the two got into a struggle and Dennison’s nose was struck, causing it to bleed.

Dennison, Thomas and Sarver all were taken to Monongahela Valley Hospital for treatment. Dennison is expected to return to work today.

Police Chief Mark Pompe said it is fortunate a second officer was on duty and responded with Dennison.

Thomas was arraigned before District Judge Jay Weller on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. He was placed in the Washington County jail on $10,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for May 29 before District Judge Joshua Kanalis.