Armstrong County man tells police he's 'too fat' to run from arrest

An Armstrong County man suspected of driving under the influence Wednesday in New Kensington told police he tried to run away because he was wanted on a warrant, but was “too fat” to get away.

Now, Danial James Hilton Dopson, 31, of Cadogan, faces charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, escape, driving under the influence, drug possession and traffic violations. He remained in Westmoreland County Prison on Thursday after failing to post $50,000 bond.

New Kensington police Officer Jerry Hobeck said he tried to pull Dopson over after he caught him speeding on Seventh Street and Stevenson Boulevard shortly after 9 p.m., according to the criminal complaint filed in the case.

Police said Dopson was traveling up to 49 mph on Seventh, where the speed limit is 25 mph, and up to 59 mph on Stevenson, where the speed limit is 35 mph.

The complaint said Dopson also sped through a gas station parking lot, didn’t stop at a stop sign and struck a center median twice.

Police said Dopson eventually pulled into the Seventh Street Sportsmen’s Club parking lot. He then got out of the car and began walking away with his hands in his pockets, police said.

Hobeck said he drew his gun and told Dopson to get on the ground. Dopson eventually complied. However, as Hobeck went to arrest Dopson, he got up and tried to run, the complaint said.

Hobeck was able to arrest Dopson after a brief struggle. According to the complaint, Dopson had an “overpowering odor of alcoholic beverage emanating off his breath and his speech was slow and slurred.”

Police said they found a glass crack pipe in his pocket.

Dopson allegedly told police, “I tried to run, but I realized I was too fat,” the complaint said.

When police went to check Dopson’s license, they discovered it was under a DUI-related suspension. Police also were informed that Dopson was wanted on warrants out of Westmoreland County.

Dopson submitted to a blood-alcohol test, but the criminal complaint did not list the results.

Hobeck was treated at Allegheny Valley Hospital for injuries he received during the arrest, the complaint said. He suffered cuts and scrapes to his right arm, hand and knee.

A preliminary hearing for Dopson is set for Sept. 26.