MUNCY - A passerby stopped to help a police officer gain control of a man who became combative Saturday night as the officer was attempting to arrest him in front of the firehouse of the Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Co. on South Main Street, state police alleged in court papers.
Even with the passerby's help, Patrolman Anthony Oeler still had to use his Taser gun in order to handcuff George Howard Cox, 49, formerly of 2115 Riverside Drive, South Williamsport, about 7:15 p.m.
Oeler put out a call for assistance over his police radio, prompting officers from numerous communities as well as state troopers to respond to scene.
As the police drama drew the attention of numerous spectators, fire police closed a portion of South Main Street for a very short period of time until the situation was brought under control.
Cox, now living at 957 High St., Williamsport, was taken into custody because he was wanted for allegedly prowling at the home of his ex-girlfriend, Tisha Mae Bitler, on Fisher Lane in Muncy Creek Township about an hour earlier, police said.
Police also allege that Cox assaulted one of Bitler's neighbors who caught him looking through the woman's windows.
Following his late-night arraignment before District Judge Allen P. Page III on charges of aggravated and simple assault, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, loitering and harassment, Cox was committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.
