New Florence, PA arrests made in Stolen Police Cruiser case
Saturday, October 22, 2005 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
State police arrested two New Florence volunteer fire police officers Wednesday and charged them with hit-and-run driving, making false statements, hindering apprehension and other misdemeanors for their involvement in a scuffle that sent a borough policeman to the hospital for three weeks.
According to police, Officer Michael Bandzej, 39, was administering a DUI test to Frank Pawelkowski at Ligonier and Fifth streets the night of Sept. 25, when the suspect punched Officer Bandzej in the face and reached for the officer's gun.
The pair scuffled into the street, where Charles McAdams Jr., 61, was driving past in his red Geo Tracker. Mr. McAdams' car struck Officer Bandzej; the policeman landed on a curb about 30 feet away. Mr. Pawelkowski sped away in Officer Bandzej's New Florence police cruiser.
The stolen cruiser was soon recovered; Mr. Pawelkowski faces multiple charges. Mr. McAdams and Ms. Truitt were arrested after state police matched paint from Mr. McAdams' damaged car to red paint embedded in Officer Bandzej's pant leg.
Officer Bandzej was severely injured; New Florence residents are holding fund-raisers to help offset his lost wages as he recovers.