CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale man is being accused of assaulting a state trooper while resisting detainment following a trespassing complaint at a Coalport residence.
Lance N. Henico, 37, is charged by Trooper Shane Buffone of the Clearfield-based state police with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor use/possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest.
Henico had all charges held for county court following a preliminary hearing Wednesday. His bail remains set at $50,000 monetary.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 28, a male reported that another male, identified as “Lance,” was at his apartment in the 700 block of Main Street uninvited.
Upon arrival on-scene, Buffone observed a couple coming from the apartment’s rear entrance. He asked the male for his name, and he replied “Lance.”
When asked if he had identification, the male said “no” and the trooper advised there had been a trespassing complaint made against him.
The male became defensive, raising his voice and saying he was allowed to stay there. The trooper said the male reached for his right, rear pocket and was advised to keep his hands visible.
He told Buffone he was getting out his ID after having initially stated that he didn’t have one. He then removed his ID from his wallet and handed it to the trooper.
Buffone placed the ID directly in his pocket, as the male reportedly postured himself in an “aggressive manner.” For officer safety, he also advised the male he’d be put in “investigative detention.”
As Buffone reached for the male’s wrist, he yelled “for what?” When the trooper grabbed his left wrist, the male pulled away and started to run towards Main Street.
Trooper Brandon Haney tackled the male and he continued to resist while three others attempted to place his hands behind his back. The male was eventually cuffed and identified as Henico.
Prior to his transport, Henico was found in possession of a clear baggie with suspected methamphetamine residue, which was collected as evidence.
Buffone interviewed the caller who said the female with Henico was permitted to stay with him. However, he said Henico “scares” him and had demanded money from him for unknown reasons.
He said he never gave Henico any money and he didn’t want Henico at his residence anymore.
Later, Haney said he was injured by Henico during the incident. Henico allegedly ripped his name tag from his chest and intentionally stabbed him in the right hand with its two prongs.
