Courts. (Credit: Flickr/Creative Commons)
Montgomery County Detectives allege Leo Vanhulst, of the 100 block of Winged Foot Court, Limerick, refused to comply with staff directions, during routine cell inspections on Dec. 31
An inmate at Montgomery County Correctional Facility accused of hitting a corrections officer in the mouth on New Year’s Eve had a felony charge of aggravated assault withdrawn at a preliminary hearing last week, but waived a felony charge of aggravated harassment by a prisoner and misdemeanor reckless endangerment to county court.
Montgomery County Detectives allege Leo Vanhulst, 25, of the 100 block of Winged Foot Court, Limerick, refused to comply with staff directions, during routine cell inspections on Dec. 31 at 6:43 p.m.
As a corrections officer attempted to remove debris from the corner of the cell, Vanhulst allegedly struck the victim in the face with a closed fist. The victim suffered a laceration and contusion to their lower lip and was treated by jail medical staff prior to returning to duty, police said.
After the alleged attack, Vanhulst was taken to the ground by the victim and additional officers. Police said Vanhulst continued to resist officers and was eventually placed in custody.
The injury was captured on a body-worn camera, police said.
Formal arraignment in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court is March 26. Vanhulst remains incarcerated on $1,000 cash bail.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
