Police use Taser to subdue Arnold woman who they say fought with officers

An Arnold woman arrested on suspicion of assault was stunned several times with a Taser after police said she fought with officers inside a New Kensington holding cell Saturday.

Arnold police said they arrested Alexis Shante Owens, 29, after responding to a call in the 400 block of 16th Street, according to a criminal complaint filed against her. A woman told police Owens had assaulted her while she was in bed. Police said Owens appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

While an officer was talking with the alleged victim, Owens started banging her head and feet against the doors and center divider inside a police vehicle, the complaint said.

At the New Kensington lockup, police said, Owens put herself between the cell door and wall, preventing the door from locking. She fought with multiple officers, who took her to the ground to try to drag her into the cell and then used a Taser on her several times, the complaint said.

Police said they then removed clothing from the cell that Owens had tied around her neck to prevent her from trying to hang herself with it.

Arnold filed charges of resisting arrest and simple assault against Owens, while New Kensington police charged her with institutional vandalism. She was taken to the Westmoreland County jail after failing to post a combined bail of $15,000. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Feb. 22.