Published: July 15, 2008 11:50 pm      

Somerset inmate pulled alarm during escape, police say

SOMERSET — A work-release inmate at the Somerset County Jail was arraigned Tuesday on escape charges after reportedly setting off a fire alarm to unlock the door and scuffling with guards last month.

Kenneth Lee Rose, 25, of Somerset, is charged by borough police with escape, aggravated assault, assault by prisoner, false alarms and harassment.

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

In a court document, Officer Angelo Cancelliere said Rose activated a fire alarm June 10 in the work-release center’s dayroom, knowing that it would deactivate the lock on an outside door.

Rose was in jail on a probation revocation for burglary, criminal trespass and theft.

After pulling the alarm, authorities said Rose pushed open the door and ran through a nearby parking lot into an alley behind 1st Summit Bank.

Guard Jeffrey Barna eventually tackled Rose behind the bank.

As Rose allegedly struggled with the guard to escape, police said he declared, “It would be much easier for everyone if you just let me go.”

Rose eventually was subdued with help from guard Paul Hay.

Police said Barna sustained cuts and scrapes to his right arm and injuries to his left elbow and forearm that required medical treatment.

During a recorded visit with his mother the next day, Rose confessed to the incident, authorities said.

Barna, of Meyersdale, received a letter of commendation from the Somerset County Prison Board.

The letter read, in part: “Your instinctive action of pursuing and apprehending this inmate is evident of the degree to which you perform your duties.

“Given the nature of this incident, it would have caused great concern to the county and public had he succeeded in escaping. Thanks to your decision, this situation was prevented.”