Man accused of punching police officer during arrest

A McKeesport man is accused of punching a police officer in the face during a domestic incident Saturday.

Clarence Gunter, 23, was charged with aggravated assault, strangulation, two counts of simple assault, obstruction of administration of law or other government, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct engaged in fighting stemming from an incident at 1400 Hamilton St., court records state.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Gunter was on the top floor of the residence, highly intoxicated and wanting to fight when police arrived. Officers heard screaming as they entered the home and found Gunter’s hand wrapped around a female’s neck.

Officers attempted to take him to the ground to subdue him, according to the criminal complaint, but Gunter continued to pull away. Police said Gunter pushed one officer with both arms and struck another officer in the face with a closed fist, which caused his mouth to begin bleeding.

Gunter was taken into custody and is being held at the Allegheny County Jail. The officer who was hit was taken to UPMC McKeesport Hospital to be evaluated for lacerations to his face and the inside of his mouth, and for a concussion.

A preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Eugene Riazzi is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Oct. 6.