Davis
A city man faces a dozen charges after attempting to pull a gun while fleeing from police during a traffic stop over the weekend, according to court documents.
Sean Nasin Davis, 24, was arraigned Sunday by District Judge Andrew L. Blattenberger on nine counts of aggravated assault and one count each of felony escape, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon with intent to distribute. Davis also faces 16 misdemeanors, including assault, resisting arrest, possession of a murder weapon, possession of a controlled substance, evading arrest, possession of a weapon and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.
Unable to post $500,000 bail, he was taken to the Blair County Jail.
The charges stem from a traffic stop on Sunday morning at approximately 5:21 a.m., when officers noticed a driver failing to use his turn signal while turning onto Seventh Street.
Before city police officers approached the vehicle, they noticed Davis, a passenger in the back seat, making several movements to the left and in front of him. The driver unlocked the rear doors for officers and they ordered Davis to get out. When he got out of the vehicle, he immediately attempted to flee on foot with a blue bag on his back, according to the affidavit.
The officers noticed that the traffic stop had taken place in a high-crime area of the city. The area had seen an attempted murder and several firearms incidents in recent months, court documents say.
As officers brought Davis to the ground, he began reaching for his waistband. Fearing Davis would reach for a firearm, an officer sprayed Davis in the face with pepper spray, but Davis continued to resist. Officers notified other officers of the altercation while Davis flailed his body, attempting to free his arms and reach for his waist whenever possible. Pepper spray was used multiple times but was ineffective in getting him to comply, court documents state.
When additional officers arrived on the scene, they managed to handcuff Davis and take him into custody.
Three officers were treated at UPMC Altoona for injuries sustained in the altercation with Davis.
A search of Davis’ person and his blue bag revealed 43 ecstasy pills in several zip-lock bags, an ounce of marijuana in an opened vacuum-sealed bag and $100 in $20 bills, the report said.
Davis was also found in possession of a firearm, which was inside his pants near his groin area. The gun had one round in the chamber and 12 rounds in the magazine. When officers checked the gun to determine its owner and status, they were told no paperwork was found. Davis is not authorized to carry a firearm in Pennsylvania, the affidavit states.
Davis is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing before Magistrate Judge Daniel C. DeAntonio on September 4.
