ALTOONA, Pa. – The Altoona Police Department made an arrest Monday near Westfall Park and Cemetery.
According to police, Christopher Helsel was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, simple assault, resisting arrest, obstruction of law, public drunkenness, and others.
Around 1:30 a.m., an APD officer was on patrol and saw three vehicles near the wood line at the top of the cemetery, police said.
Since the park and cemetery closed at dusk, the officer attempted to make contact when Helsel, seeming anxious and agitated, walked out of the woods, officials said.
Police said Helsel wouldn’t provide any information except for his name and wouldn’t comply with verbal commands.
The officer attempted to handcuff Helsel, but after one hand was cuffed, Helsel began to fight with the officers.
Police said Helsel and two officers then rolled underneath barbed wire fencing into the cemetery and Helsel continued to fight, refusing to put his hands behind his back.
Officials said Helsel kicked a female officer multiple times in the back of the head as she was trying to secure another handcuff and stuck her in the face as well.
A Logan Township officer came to the incident as well and used a Taser on Helsel, who was taken into custody.
Police said the female officer suffered swelling to her right eye and an abrasion on the side of the face. Another officer suffered abrasions and scratches on both arms.
Helsel is believed to have been under the influence of crystal meth or a similar illegal stimulant, police said.
Helsel was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Fred Miller and committed to Blair County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.
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