By Josh Krysak
Uniontown Herald-Standard
A Smithfield woman is facing multiple charges after police allege she attempted to kick an officer in the groin while he was investigating a theft at a local bar.
Derena Marie Minnick, 41, of 597 Madison Drive was charged with aggravated assault, theft, resisting arrest and harassment.
According to state police Trooper Jon Bershok, Minnick stole $160 in $20 bills from the wallet of a patron inside the Colonial Tavern on West Church Street in Fairchance, and then tried to leave the bar.
She was confronted by a patron and a bartender, and struck both of them in an attempt to leave the establishment, Bershok said.
He said that when officers tried to question her about the alleged theft, she attempted to kick Trooper Jason Zanolli in the groin. However, Zanolli was able to catch Minnick’s foot between his knees before she could strike him, and the commotion caused a wad of cash to fall from her onto the floor.
Bershok said the cash totaled $160 in $20 bills.
Magisterial District Judge Joseph M. George Jr. placed Minnick in Fayette County Prison on $25,000 straight cash bond following her arraignment.
She will face a preliminary hearing at a later date.
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