New Florence police officer hurt in arrest, PA cruiser stolen
Monday, September 27, 2004 - Pittsburgh, PA - Post-Gazette
A suspect was in custody yesterday after a New Florence police officer was run down by a car and his police cruiser was stolen.
Shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday, Officer Michael Bandzej Jr., 49, attempted to arrest a DUI suspect at Ligonier and Fifth streets in New Florence, according to a report from the Pennsylvania State Police.
The suspect, 36-year-old Frank Walter Pawelkoski, of Ambridge, punched Bandzej in the face, police said. As Bandzej struggled with Pawelkoski, he was forced onto the roadway.
Bandzej was then struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on Ligonier Street. The driver of that vehicle did not stop after hitting the officer.
Police said Pawelkoski then stole Bandzej's marked police cruiser and drove away in it.
Bandzej, who suffered a broken leg in the accident, was helped out of the middle of the roadway by a local resident.
He was listed in fair condition last night at Conemaugh Medical Center in Johnstown.
Bandzej's police car and Pawelkoski were found in a trailer park near Laurel Valley High School in St. Clair.
He was taken into custody by Ligonier police and was being held in the Westmoreland County prison last night.
Pawelkoski, who police said is currently living in New Florence, is charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest and theft, according to state police.
Police also are searching for the vehicle that hit Bandzej. It is described as a small, dark-colored car, possibly a Pontiac Grand Am or Chevrolet Cavalier, with damage to the front end.