LAFLIN — A man from Laflin facing charges of driving while drunk refused to be arrested and bit a Pennsylvania State Police trooper’s hand late on Thursday night, according to the charges.
Richard Joseph Pace, 57, of Haverford Drive, was taken before District Judge Brian J. Tupper of Kingston Township on Friday for charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, and two traffic violations – speeding and failure to stay in his lane. Pace was put in Luzerne County Correctional Facility as he couldn't pay $10,000 bail.
According to the legal complaint:
Two troopers, while patrolling state Route 315 in the Plains Township and Laflin areas, saw a 2017 Kia Sorento, driven by Pace, speeding just after 11 p.m.
Pace was told to get out of his car when a trooper noticed his narrowed eyes, the complaint says.
After doing several sobriety tests, the complaint says, troopers concluded that Pace showed many signs of being drunk.
When Pace was informed of his arrest, he said “No,” and kept his hands behind him, as per the complaint.
Pace struggled on the busy highway and bit the hand of one of the troopers, according to the complaint.
Pace was taken to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital where he apparently refused to have a blood test.
