Cops: Man who fought North Huntingdon police had empty stamp bags, suboxone
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A Trafford man accused of fighting North Huntingdon police in a convenience store parking lot this week is also charged with possessing 176 empty stamp bags, a package of Suboxone and hypodermic needles, according to court documents.
Michael J. Lapaglia, 29, of Trafford was ordered held in the Westmoreland County Prison by District Judge Wayne Gongaware on $10,000 bail following his arraignment on charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia filed by police.
Officer Jeremy Nichols found Lapaglia sleeping in the driver’s seat of a running 2012 Volkswagen Beetle at a Sheetz on Route 30 at Thompson Lane about 2:20 a.m. Monday, according to court documents filed by Officer Michael Beckinger.
Penn Township police had issued an alert to be on the lookout for an identical car. In addition to requesting backup officers, Nichols also asked for an ambulance fearing Lapaglia had overdosed, Beckinger reported.
Nichols opened the car door, shut off the ignition and attempted to wake Lapaglia, who lunged at the officer, according to court documents. Nichols pushed Lapaglia back into the driver’s seat, but Lapaglia refused to identify himself and resisted arrest, Beckinger said.
When officers placed him under arrest and pulled him out of the vehicle, Beckinger said Lapaglia continued struggling, refused to be handcuffed and attempted to run before he was forcibly subdued.
Officer William Bouldin suffered a minor injury to his left hand while trying to handcuff Lapaglia, Beckinger said.
Police said they found one empty stamp bag they suspect at one time contained heroin and a hypodermic needle in his shirt pockets, plus 175 empty stamp bags in the center console of the vehicle.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled May 29. Lapaglia also is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle before Harrison City District Judge Helen Kistler.