Man arrested, accused of assaulting cop, paramedic

SHARPSBURG, Pa. — Police arrested an O’Hara Township man accused of assaulting a police officer and several paramedics during a confrontation in a convenience store parking lot.

Authorities said Daniel Mellinger, 33, is facing four counts of aggravated assault after the incident in Sharpsburg earlier this week.

According to police, Mellinger was under the influence of heroin and Xanax when he fell in a Co-Go's parking lot. Medics and police showed up to the scene and investigators said Mellinger became violent.

“Just as they got him on the stretcher, he started fighting and kicked a paramedic in the chest, knocking him several feet,” Sharpsburg Police Chief Leo Rudzki said.

According to Rudzki, Mellinger also tried to head-butt a paramedic who suffered chest injuries and bruised ribs.

“He was wrestling with him, still kicking and flailing his arms,” Rudzki said.

Police said it took several paramedics and police officers to restrain Mellinger. During the struggle, an officer tore ligaments in his hand, Rudzki said.

“Ligament damage is probably worse than broken bones. That’s going to take months,” Rudzki said.

Mellinger remains in the Allegheny County Jail in lieu of $30,000 bail.

WPXI