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Former Arnold police chief charged with assaulting fellow officer
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An Arnold police sergeant and former chief was charged with assaulting an officer who responded to a domestic dispute at his home.
Eric Doutt, 43, was charged with simple assault, obstruction, hindering apprehension and harassment on Tuesday for an incident that occurred on May 11.
According to a criminal complaint, Mr. Doutt's wife Karen Doutt called 911 during a domestic dispute at the couple's home in the 1800 block of Woodmont Avenue in Arnold just after midnight.
The couple continued to argue for about 10 minutes when two Arnold officers arrived and attempted to defuse the situation.
But things took a turn for the worst when Ms. Doutt slapped her husband in the face. She was arrested and placed in the back of one of the officer's cars.
Mr. Doutt demanded that the officers release his wife and then pulled her out of the police car himself, the complaint states.
Officer David Crouse grabbed Ms. Doutt's left arm as Mr. Doutt had hold of her right arm.
The complaint states that Officer Crouse told Mr. Doutt to release her.
Instead, Mr. Doutt shoved Officer Crouse in the chest with his right hand and pushed him away from his wife, according to the complaint.
The officers declined to arrest the Doutts at the time in fear of escalating the situation and having to use force against Mr. Doutt, the complaint states. State Police in Kiski Valley investigated the incident.
First Published June 6, 2012 7:59 pm
