Jury seated in alleged dragging of state trooper
A jury has been seated and a trial date set for a Fredericktown man accused of hitting a state trooper who was directing traffic at the scene of a crash and dragging her 20 feet.
Arnold Joseph Frankie, 63, of 165 Barney’s Run Road, is accused of striking Trooper Heather Gonglik with his truck at the scene of a crash along the 600 block of Main Street in Bentleyville in April.
A jury of 12 people and two alternates were seated Monday in Washington County Court.
Frankie was driving south when he was told to stop his vehicle by Gonglik, who was handling traffic duty. Gonglik was near her marked cruiser with the overhead emergency lights activated.
Police said Frankie ignored Gonglik’s orders to stop. She said she had to partially step in front of his truck as she continued to use hand signals and tell him to stop.
Police said Frankie stopped his vehicle and Gonglik approached. As she began to talk with Frankie, he allegedly pulled away, ignored commands to stop and dragged Gonglik with his truck for about 20 feet before she fell, hitting her head.
Frankie then fled, according to police, who said Gonglik was able to get up, get in her cruiser and pursue Frankie, catching up with him about a half-mile from the crash scene. Gonglik was taken to Monongahela Valley Hospital for treatment of minor to moderate injuries and was released.
Frankie faces three counts of aggravated assault and one count each of simple assault, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, fleeing or attempting to elude police, disobedience to authorized persons directing traffic, reckless driving and careless driving.
Frankie is free on bond. His trial is scheduled to begin at 9:30 Feb. 11 in front of Washington County Judge Valarie Costanzo.