Sometimes how you act during an investigation can seriously affect your fate. A 33-year-old man from State College, Pennsylvania, learned this by reportedly failing to cooperate with police officers, as well as battling the officers. The incident began when a State College police detective met with a suspect at Snappy’s on University Drive last Friday afternoon. The officer had a search warrant tied to a drug investigation.
The officer had the suspect sign a receipt to turn in the cellphone, but during the exchange the suspect allegedly ripped the iPhone from the officer’s hand and attempted to break it in half and smashed it on the asphalt. The phone was still seized but was severely damaged. The suspect was taken into custody for his actions and now faces multiple charges.
The accused in this situation may be facing drug charges, compounded with a third-degree felony count of robbery, as well as misdemeanors of theft by unlawful taking, obstructing the administration of law, disorderly conduct and tampering with evidence.
However, if it can be determined that the police violated proper protocol, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or dismissed. This suspect’s criminal defense approach may also include an effort to negotiate with the prosecutors in an effort to reach a plea deal, which could mean reduced charges for the suspect. There is much on the line for the suspect in this case. A guilty verdict could find him with a lengthy stay in prison, as well as other penalties that could affect his life for years to come.
Source: StateCollege.com, “Police Say Man Tried to Destroy Phone During Drug Investigation,” Geoff Rushton, June 5, 2017