It’s never a good idea to hit a cop and probably worse to hit a police dog working the beat. Mark Swineheart, 43, of Bristol, did both early Saturday morning, according to Bristol Borough police.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Swineheart during an encounter where it was noted the suspect was agitated turned with a closed fist and punched Bristol Borough Police Officer Charles Palmer and then took off towards a vehicle where the officer tried to gain control over the suspect, court documents say.
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During the incident, Swineheart elbowed the officer, knocking him down, which lead the officer to releasing the K9 he was patrolling with. The attack happened as they pursued the suspect in a foot chase where they caught up with Swineheart, according to court papers.
The suspect kicked at the K9 and officer several times before saying “OK, I give up,” Palmer wrote in court filings.
Swineheart was placed in handcuffs and turned over to officer James Ellis, who moments later radioed the suspect was “running again,” according to court papers.
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Authorities tracked the suspect to the 600 block of Mansion Street where he was hiding in the backyard of a residence with an enclosed patio area, officers wrote in court papers. As authorities approached Swineheart, he began to kick at the K9 officer, connecting several times before being subdued by police, court papers say.
“OK, OK – I really give up this time,” Swineheart allegedly said.
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Swinehart was charged with felony escape, aggravated assault, and six other related offenses. He was sent to Bucks County Jail on 10 percent of $75,00o
He is scheduled to appear in Bristol Borough District Court on June 4 for a preliminary hearing.
Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
