Police had to twice use a Taser on an Arnold man as officers struggled to arrest him in December, according to court records released this week.

At least one police officer was injured.

The incident began after New Kensington Officer Tyler Balla saw Anthony Marsalis Howell, 36, of Arnold walking in the 1100 block of Seventh Street on Dec. 1. Balla knew Howell was wanted on an arrest warrant from the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office, according to a criminal complaint.

Howell resisted as Balla attempted to arrest him, according to the complaint. During the struggle, police said, Howell scratched, twisted and pried at Balla’s fingers. Balla suffered cuts and abrasions to both of his hands and minor abrasions to his legs, police said.

Balla tackled Howell twice while trying to handcuff him, according to the complaint, but Howell continued to struggle.

Despite being shocked with a Taser in a leg, police said, Howell continued to struggle and was shocked again and finally placed into custody.

When Howell was searched, police said, he was carrying suspected crack cocaine, three packages of suspected marijuana, a digital scale and $710 in cash.

Police charged Howell on Jan. 17 with a felony count of aggravated assault, a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest and felony and misdemeanor drug offenses.

He was arraigned Tuesday and sent to the Westmoreland County jail in lieu of $50,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 22 before New Kensington District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr.

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