New Kensington police say man was drunk, uncooperative when Tasered

New Kensington police say a city resident was drunk and refusing to cooperate with officers when he was shocked with a Taser.

According to police, Sgt. Kevin Hess tried to stop Lee Edward Jones, 51, for speeding on Stevenson Boulevard about 8 p.m. Saturday. Police said the Jeep Jones was driving was traveling 58 mph in a 40 mph zone in heavy rain.

Police said Jones did not stop the vehicle and continued to Oates Boulevard, where he pulled into a driveway in the 500 block. Jones got out of his vehicle and ignored commands from police to get back inside the vehicle, authorities said.

Hess grabbed Jones by the arm and told him he was under arrest. Police said Jones did not comply with Hess’ orders to get on the ground, instead turning toward the officer and pulling his hand away.

Hess “stepped back and gave the male more commands to get down on the ground or he would be Tasered,” police Chief Robert Deringer said in a news release. Jones allegedly ignored commands to get on the ground, at which point Hess discharged his Taser.

Jones “then lowered himself to the ground” and was handcuffed. He complained of back pain and was taken to a hospital.

Police said they found open containers of alcoholic beverages inside Jones’ vehicle. According to police, Jones had a blood alcohol level of 0.214%, which is almost three times the legal limit for driving in Pennsylvania.

According to court records, Jones was charged Tuesday with felony counts of driving under the influence and fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest and summary traffic violations.

He was awaiting a preliminary hearing on those charges.