Wanted Jeannette man in jail after fight with trooper
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A 38-year-old Jeannette man wanted on multiple arrest warrants dating back to March is accused of fighting a state trooper this week after he was found hiding out at a New Stanton motel with his girlfriend and 2-year-old daughter.
James V. Villi was jailed on $50,000 bond on charges of child endangerment, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of prohibited weapons and resisting arrest.
His girlfriend, Kim Singer, 40, of Pittsburgh, was released on $20,000 unsecured bond pending a preliminary hearing. She is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of a child.
Troopers on patrol Monday noticed a vehicle similar to Villi’s parked outside the Budget Inn Motel in New Stanton and went to investigate, Trooper Joshua Wiskeman reported.
According to court dockets, Villi was wanted on arrest warrants filed by police in Allegheny and Penn townships for multiple criminal offenses, including driving under the influence of a controlled substance, illegal possession of a controlled substance and possession of prohibited offensive weapons.
When Villi opened the door of his room after Wiskeman knocked, Wiskeman said Villi attempted to quickly shut it on his arm.
“I was able to grab his left hand… Villi then attempted to reach into his right front pocket to which a struggle between Villi and myself ensued,” Wiskeman wrote in court papers.
Wiskeman said troopers believe he was reaching for a switchblade knife in his pocket. When Villi was searched after being taken into custody, Wiskeman also reported he found brass knuckles in his possession.
“Several empty stamp bags of heroin and related paraphernalia were also recovered in the room,” Wiskeman said.
Police seized an uncapped needle in the room that was within the reach of the toddler, according to court records.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled Oct. 21.