Courts (Credit: MediaNews Group)
An Easton man was sentenced Tuesday to 6 months of probation for his third underage DUI offense in a case that involved the alleged assault of a New Britain Township police officer.
Vincent Joseph Hebel, 21, of the 1900 block of Fairview Avenue, avoid prosecution on a more severe aggravated assault charge. Last month, Hebel pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of DUI of the 3rd offense and resisting arrest, per court records. No penalty was given for the misdemeanor, solely the DUI, per court documents.
Per court order, Hebel was sentenced to the first 10 days on home confinement with electronic monitoring in Northampton County. He must also pay a $750 fine, attend alcohol highway safety classes, and abide by any and all recommendations from an ordered alcohol treatment program, per court documents.
Police said the incident occurred Sept. 26, 2024 at 12:46 a.m at West Butler Avenue and Schoolhouse Road in New Britain Township. According to court documents, the arrest occurred six months shy of Hebel's 21st birthday.
An officer was on patrol around Wawa at 525 W. Butler Ave., when he got behind a black 2021 Toyota Camry sedan, driven by Hebel.
Hebel, police said, stopped his Toyota at a steady red traffic signal entering Butler Avenue in the far right straight or right-hand turn lane, with his left turn signal on.
When the light turned green, Hebel, police said, proceeded to turn left from the incorrect lane in a car that had dark black tinted windows that made it unable to see inside.
Police said Hebel’s third brake light was also out. As Hebel continued to approach the intersection with Schoolhouse Road, police attempted to stop the car, per the complaint.
Hebel slowly continued driving after police lights were activated and turned into the rear of Wayback Burger at 429 W. Butler Ave, police said.
Police approached the Toyota on the passenger side and asked Hebel for his license. Police said they saw a second license in Hebel’s wallet. When he was asked to hand over the second license, Hebel denied there was one, police said.
Police approached the driver’s side of Hebel’s car, at which time, he allegedly removed the second license from his wallet and threw it onto the passenger side of the car.
Hebel was asked to exit the car, and he initially did not comply. He eventually exited the car and was patted down for weapons.
Hebel had alcohol on his breath, as well as glassy eyes. He told police he was coming from his girlfriend’s house and was heading home to Easton, per the complaint.
When asked if he had anything to drink, Hebel said no. Hebel agreed to field sobriety tests, which he failed, per the report. Hebel also refused a breathalyzer.
Hebel began walking to the rear of his car and he was ordered to stop, police said. He told police he was going to call his girlfriend, but an officer grabbed his right arm and attempted to take him into custody.
Hebel violently pulled his arm toward his chest and began reaching for his cell phone, and police grabbed his left arm and attempted to put it behind his back, but he tensed up again.
Officers continued to struggle with Hebel as he pulled away and he was forced to the ground, saying, “Let’s go to the ground then.”
Hebel continued to disobey with commands and attempts at restraint, police said.
Eventually, Hebel broke free and stood up by wriggling out of his shirt, police said. He then allegedly clenched both fists, stared at an officer, and swung his right fist, missing the officer.
The officer drew his taser and told Hebel to put his hands behind his back, police said. He turned and faced the patrol vehicle but kept one hand up on the hood of his car and would not let police put it behind his back, per the complaint.
Hebel was then tased but continued to resist and pull away. He was eventually arrested at 1:04 a.m., police said. He was taken to Doylestown Hospital for evaluation by paramedics, police said, and refused a legal blood draw.
Hebel was free on $25,000 unsecured bail.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
