Published: March 19, 2007 11:17 pm      

Authorities: Man fought with officers

SOMERSET — A Rockwood area man was jailed after authorities said he fought with officers Sunday following an altercation at the American Legion in Somerset.

William Rose Jr., 40, was charged with simple assault, resisting arrest, public drunkenness and two counts of disorderly conduct. He was sent to the Somerset County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bond.

Somerset and Berlin police were called to a fight at the American Legion around 6:10 p.m. Sunday.

As they were on their way, the officers were told participants in the fight had left the club in a blue pickup. Police pulled over the pickup a short distance away on West Main Street, according to a court document.

Berlin Officer Neil Berkley asked Rose, a passenger in the truck, to step out of the vehicle.

Rose reportedly began yelling obscenities and told Berkley to “bring it” – an invitation to fight – Somerset Officer Joseph Levay said in an affidavit.

Levay said Rose had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and a “very strong odor” of alcohol.

Berkley sustained undisclosed injuries as Rose began fighting with police before Levay subdued the suspect with a Taser, authorities said.

Levay said Rose then became passively resistant and had to be dragged to a patrol car.

At the police station, authorities said Rose continued to yell obscenities and hit his head off a counter.

A preliminary hearing tentatively is scheduled for March 27 before District Judge Art Cook of Somerset.