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Man arrested for assaulting EMS provider, officer

Christopher Pichardo, 19, struck the EMS provider in his pelvic area with a closed fist and kicked an officer in the chest

By Kulsoom Khan
The Times-Leader

HAZLE TWP., Pa. — A New York City man is facing a slew of charges after he fought with a first responder and a police officer early Sunday morning, according to a police report.

According to a police report:

A 48-year-old male EMS worker responded to 619 Winters Ave. at 4:26 a.m. on behalf of the American Patient Transport System after receiving a call regarding a male in respiratory distress. He arrived on scene and made contact with Christopher Pichardo, 19, of Bronx, N.Y. , who struck him in his pelvic area with a closed fist.

State police were called to the residence and Pichardo proceeded to struggle with the officers and resist arrest. While officers were preparing to transport Pichardo to the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton to be checked for respiratory issues, he kicked a Hazleton police officer, a 35-year-old male, in the chest.

Pichardo also spit in the officer’s face with the saliva entering his right eye. Upon entering the hospital, Pichardo continued to be physically and verbally aggressive. Police later determined that he was under the influence of alcohol.

Pichardo was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, harassment, disorderly conduct and purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages.

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