CLEARFIELD – A DuBois man arrested in June pleaded guilty on Monday to assaulting and attempting to disarm a Sandy Township police officer and other related charges.
Derek M. Sowa, 27, was sentenced to 14 months to three years in state prison for the assault. For a charge of disarming a law enforcement officer, Sowa was sentenced to two years probation to run consecutive to the above count. For a charge of driving under the influence, Sowa was fined $750 plus court costs, was sentenced to 30 days to six months in state prison to run consecutive to his above sentence. He was ordered to surrender his driver’s license and attend DUI school as well as to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment. For the charge of terroristic threats and resisting arrest, Sowa received two years of probation on each count to run concurrent with the first sentence. Sowa was also ordered to pay fines and costs on all charges.
The original plea agreement called for a minimum incarceration of nine months, according to Clearfield County President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman. The judge rejected that minimum, and called for a lengthier one, which Sowa agreed to.
According to court records, on June 1 Sowa attempted to run a motorist and his passenger off of the road on Bay Road in Sandy Township. When confronted by the driver, Sowa was reported to have told the man he was going to shoot him.
When Sowa was later confronted by Officer Jason Gill of the Sandy Township Police Department, Sowa was found on the ground with his hands under his chest at Treasure Lake. When ordered to place his hands on his head. Sowa refused and stood up. He began walking toward Gill, who told him to lay face down. According to the report, Sowa told Gill he had better shoot him (Sowa) before Sowa shot him.
A scuffle ensued, and at some point in the struggle Sowa attempted to take Gills handgun from his holster. During an earlier hearing, Gill said that was the most fearful he had ever been.
The struggle was physical, according to the report, with both Gill and Sowa striking each other. Gill eventually sprayed Sowa with pepper mace.
Gill eventually took Sowa into custody. Gill noted that during his encounter with Sowa he appeared to be under the influence of something, and related that Sowa’s vehicle smelled of alcohol.
Sowa’s attorney, Gary Gerson stated that Sowa was respectful when sober, and that his client had an alcohol problem.
“He is a good person with an extremely bad problem,” said Gerson.
Sowa’s mother and former employer also spoke on his behalf.
Sowa addressed the court, and said that he was taking responsibilities for his actions.
“I’m willing to go to great lengths to stay sober,” said Sowa.
Research of court records indicates that Sowa has an extensive criminal history, with cases in Elk, Cameron and McKean Counties.
It should be noted that this is not the only time Sowa has assaulted an officer of the law. According to Ammerman, Sowa had a case in Cameron County where he assaulted a state trooper.
