Greensboro man sentenced to jail for punching police officer
WAYNESBURG – A 22-year-old Greensboro man was sentenced Tuesday to eight to 16 months in jail for punching a police officer in February.
Shane Alex Black, 22, pleaded guilty in August to aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest and harassment for punching Cumberland Township police Officer Zackery Howard during a traffic stop Feb. 25 on state Route 21 in Cumberland Township.
During the stop, Howard discovered there was an arrest warrant for Black out of West Virginia, but when he tried to make the arrest, Black resisted. State police, who investigated the incident, said a “scuffle” took place. They said Black punched Howard in the face, before Howard used a Taser on Black.
“I formally apologize,” Black said during his sentencing, for which Howard was present. “I know I was completely in the wrong.”
Black also confirmed to the court he had sent an apology letter to Howard in June. He admitted to Greene County Judge Lou Dayich he had been under the influence of Adderall during the incident, and he has substance abuse issues.
Dayich also sentenced Black to two years of probation to be served consecutively with his incarceration. Black was given credit for more than seven months served in jail and is expected to be paroled Oct. 23.
Black also will have to complete 100 hours of community service and pay a $300 fine.