Identity Of Man Arrested Following SWAT Situation In Windgap Released
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Police have taken a man into custody following a SWAT situation in Windgap on Saturday.
Joesph Sadar, 51, is a Pittsburgh resident. He is being charged with six counts of aggravated assault and one count of resisting arrest.
According to the criminal complaint, Sadar called for medical help for his mother on the 3000 block of Windgap Avenue around 3:30 p.m. But, when medics arrived, she refused treatment for an apparent case of pneumonia. The mother claimed she just needed time for her medication to kick in.
When the paramedics attempted to leave, Sadar punched a medic from behind, causing their ear to swell and bleed. It was learned later that their wrist had also been broken.
Sadar reportedly exclaimed, "You're not welcome here!" He then punched the other paramedic in the face three times. That paramedic's face was red and swelling after the incident.
The second paramedic ran out of the house and radioed for help. The medics were taken to Mercy Hospital and are in stable condition.
"Our two EMTs are still at Mercy Hospital," said Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich on Saturday night. "They may wind up spending the night there, both of which may have concussions."
When officers converged on the house, demanding Sadar come out, he refused and struck the walls inside the home.
The SWAT team made forcible entry into the home via ladders to gain entrance to the second floor, and the suspect physically resisted, fighting officers before he was taken into custody.
"At a certain point, it became apparent it really wasn't going anywhere, and that's when a decision was made," Hissrich said. "We felt that the individual was becoming somewhat agitated and that's when a decision was made to go in."
Two officers were injured during the situation.
"Unfortunately, two officers obtained slight injuries, one of which was a dog bite and the other was a lacerated hand when an item was thrown at the officers," Hissrich added.
Sadar also threw a dresser and air conditioning unit at SWAT officers. He had to be tased before being arrested. He was transported to a local hospital before being taken to Allegheny County Jail.
The mother was taken to Ohio Valley Hospital in good condition, and there was no indication that she was taken hostage by Sadar. The dog involved in the incident was taken by Pittsburgh Animal Control.
WATCH: Shelby Cassesse live from the scene
"We resolved this as peacefully as we could," said Commander Reyene Kacsuta of Pittsburgh Police Zone 2. "There are only minor injuries to the person who were involved in the SWAT incident and the two EMTs, so we'll say some prayers for them that they make a speedy recovery."
Sadar has a prior history with other police departments, and this wasn't the first SWAT situation he was involved in. He had previously been arrested in Mt. Oliver.
