Springdale police officer, 2 firefighters recognized for efforts during hostile arrest

Two Springdale volunteer firefighters and a borough police sergeant were honored this week for their efforts during an arrest in the spring that quickly became dangerous, according to officials.

Volunteer firefighters Dan Copeland and Joseph Stanga and police Sgt. Fred Hockenberry were recognized by Mayor Joel Anderson during Springdale’s council meeting.

Police Chief Derek Dayoub said that at 1 a.m. on May 22, police were dispatched for “an irate, out of control” man, possibly under the influence of drugs, in the 500 block of Pittsburgh Street.

When Hockenberry arrived, he found Aiden Mack, 21, who said he had taken a lot of “acid” and that he was sorry, the officer wrote in a criminal complaint. Hockenberry requested EMS and Springdale Volunteer Fire Department’s Quick Response Service at the scene.

When those responders arrived, Mack pushed Hockenberry, the complaint said. Mack attempted to grab a knife, and he and Hockenberry got into a fight on the floor, where Hockenberry’s hand was injured, the complaint said. Hockenberry was able to get Mack into handcuffs and detain him, police said.

Officers were able to get Mack into an ambulance. Copeland and Hockenberry rode with him in the ambulance, where he shouted, spit on them and kicked Copeland, according to the complaint.

Anderson complimented the experience, training and communication skills the men displayed during the situation.

“Due to your patience and performance, your actions were instrumental in preventing a potential tragedy,” Anderson told the men.

Police charged Mack with aggravated assault, assault on a law enforcement officer, simple assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

A nonjury trial for Mack is scheduled for Oct. 16 in Judge Kelly Bigley’s Downtown Pittsburgh courtroom, according to online court records.