By PATRICK BUCHNOWSKI
A man who was trapped in an elevator with two Johnstown police officers who had arrested him on a public drunkenness charge will remain in jail, authorities said.
Craig Damien Rummell, 26, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday before District Judge Michael Musulin and was returned to Cambria County Prison in lieu of $35,000 bond.
Police were escorting Rummell through the Public Safety Building for processing at about 1 a.m. Aug. 6 when he allegedly fought with the officers, causing the elevator to malfunction.
“The elevator became inoperable, trapping officers and the defendant inside while the defendant continued to be violent,” police said.
City firefighters pried open the door and freed the occupants within 10 minutes.
Rummell also threatened an officer and his family, authorities said.
“Anytime we have a situation where an officer and his family are threatened, we take it very seriously,” said Kelly Callahan, Cambria County assistant district attorney.
Public Defender John Messina declined comment.
The incident began when police were investigating a report of shots being fired. They stopped four people, including Rummell, for questioning near Plum Street. The officers determined none of the individuals was involved.
The officers were taking Rummell into custody on a public drunkenness charge when he is alleged to have threatened to kill police.
Rummell is charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit simple assault, institutional vandalism, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
