Town and Country Newspaper

Local News Article

Man Assaults Police, Attempts Escape

Written by Kelly Chandler, Staff Writer
2013-03-07

A 26-year-old Pennsburg man is behind bars this week after he reportedly tried to make a run for it after assaulting an Upper Perk police officer. He now faces a plethora of charges including aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

Police said Joseph Breyer, of the 300 block of Main Street, was being questioned outside CVS at Seminary Street and Route 663 in Pennsburg March 2 around 9:45 p.m. by authorities who were looking into suspicious activity.

The Upper Perk police officer on scene, who was not identified, determined Breyer had a hypodermic needle on him, according to reports. While the officer started placing him in police custody, Breyer allegedly began resisting arrest and punched him in the face.

During the scuffle, Breyer reportedly broke free and fled on foot. According to authorities, he ran across Pottstown Avenue, past the Pennsburg Diner and into the 300 block of Washington Street before turning back toward Silk Alley where he was apprehended near the diner.

Department personnel said the officer didn’t require medical attention.

Breyer was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, escape, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, simple assault, possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct and harassment. He was arraigned March 3 by District Judge James Gallagher, who set bail at $10,000, 10 percent.

He was remanded to Montgomery County Correctional Facility after being unable to post bail. He also had a probation detainer filed against him for violating the conditions of his probation.

Breyer is no stranger to law enforcement. According to court records, he has been arrested 10 times since 2005 and was currently on probation after his latest run-in with police, an Aug. 2012 arrest in Allentown for tampering with evidence, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

Breyer also pled guilty in 2011 to burglarizing an Upper Hanover home where he stole an antique gun and powder flask replica, along with a jewelry box and coins, later pawning them for cash at a local store.

A preliminary hearing on the latest charges is scheduled for March 13 in Red Hill District Court.

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