Man accused of charging at Upper Burrell police officer with knife

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. — A man faces multiple criminal charges after police say he charged at an Upper Burrell police officer with a knife during a domestic dispute call on Aug. 20.

The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office says an officer sustained a minor hand laceration while subduing and disarming Marco Ciappetta, 30, at a residence on Irwin Drive.

Per the DA’s Office, Upper Burrell Police arrived at the residence following reports of a physical domestic dispute between Ciappetta and a relative. Due to prior incidents involving assaults on law enforcement, police requested backup from surrounding departments before attempting contact.

A relative told officers that Ciappetta did not have access to firearms, but did have access to knives. Officers initially attempted to engage with Ciappetta verbally, but he did not respond.

As an officer approached the back of the home to look through the windows, Ciappetta ran through a rear door holding a knife above his head. According to the DA, Ciappetta charged at the officer and thrusted the knife toward his head, shouting, “I am going to kill you.”

While waiting for supporting officers to arrive, the officer was reportedly “forced to engage” with Ciappetta. After a brief struggle, the officer disarmed and detained Ciappetta until backup arrived.

The officer suffered a minor laceration to his hand near his wrist during the encounter.

Ciappetta was charged with aggravated assault, assault on a law enforcement officer, simple assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and resisting arrest, along with other related charges.

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