A Scranton man punched a police officer after assaulting his wife Sunday, police charge.
Michael Hedgeman, 41, of 1349 Cornell St., is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment. Hedgeman told officers he had mental health issues and said “The world is out to kill me,” charges read.
According to the criminal complaint:
Officers responded to the Cornell Street residence at about 5 p.m. on a report of an assault.
When Officer Dennis Hogben knocked on the door, he could hear loud voices coming from inside, but no one responded.
When Hedgeman finally opened the door, Hogben asked Hedgeman what he was doing. Hedgeman said he was trying to clean up and then walked back inside.
Hogben entered the residence and noted there were smashed items in the kitchen and red sauce splattered on the floor.
Hedgeman said he slipped on the kitchen floor with his wife, Georgina Torres Andrade.
Hogben found Hedgeman in the living room, holding up a semi-responsive Andrade, who had injuries to her face and head.
When asked about the mess, Hedgeman said, “This is just my frustration” and “The world is out to kill me.”
Hedgeman ran upstairs. He then appeared at the top of the steps with a woman’s purse, yelling and screaming. Hedgeman slid down the steps on his chest and swung his legs at Hogben.
Hogben directed Hedgeman to stay on the floor, but Hedgeman stood up and became aggressive, pounding on the door frame and yelling.
When Hogben drew his Taser, Hedgeman rushed him and began punching him in the head.
After Hedgeman pushed him on a bed, Hogben was able to discharge his Taser, which stunned Hedgeman.
Hedgeman then ran into the living room and tried to hide. Police were ultimately able to arrest him.
Hogben then checked on Andrade, who was on the floor and unresponsive. Officers noted she had a bloody nose. Emergency medical personnel transported her to Geisinger Community Medical Center.
Hedgeman remains in Lackawanna County Prison on $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 30 at 9:30 a.m. before District Judge Laura Turlip.