Blairsville Man Accused Of Attacking 2 Census Workers

BLAIRSVILLE, Pa.,None — An Indiana County man is accused of attacking two census workers who knocked on his door in Blairsville Tuesday.

State police said Timothy Cowan, 43, chased Austin Kwisnek, 18, and a juvenile female off of his private property along Herbenthal Lane.

Cowan followed the workers' car, police said, and when they pulled over, he allegedly reached into the window, grabbed Kwisnek by the shirt and neck, swore at both workers and threatened to punch the female in the face.

Because Cowan lives on private property, Channel 11 was not able to get his side of the story.

A neighbor said the alleged victims never knocked on his door, and instead they drove by and threw fast food wrappers in his yard. The neighbor said Cowan did yell at them but said he's a good guy and would never hit anyone.

"Timmy wouldn't do anything to hurt no one. He's the best neighbor, best husband, best father," said Kim Hancock.

The Census Bureau wouldn't comment on the case but said they're cooperating with police.

Cowan is charged with assault and harassment.

During the 2000 Census, 180 assaults were reported against workers.

One volunteer was killed after being attacked by a pack of dogs.

Around a dozen census worker attacks have been reported so far this year, including one involving a pick-axe and another involving a cross bow.

Earlier this month, a Pittsburgh woman accused a Census worker of stealing her wallet. The Census Bureau denies the incident ever occurred.

• E-Mail Newsletter: Get The Latest News Sent To Your E-Mail! • Mobile: Get WPXI Headlines On Your Phone, iPhone, More • RSS: Add Us To Your Page!

WPXI