Struthers woman accused of punching police officer

STRUTHERS, Ohio (WKBN) – Police arrested a woman from Struthers Wednesday night after police said she punched an officer.

Police were initially called to the 200 block of Poland Avenue around 9:30 p.m. after the driver of a red car reportedly left the scene of a crash. Police said that the victim’s car was pushed off the road, and they determined that the suspect driver’s car would have damage to it.

While checking that crash scene, dispatch received another call that the same red vehicle hit a tree on Overlook Boulevard. A front bumper and light housing were found by the tree.

Due to the description of the car and the area of the crashes, police determined that the driver was 34-year-old Miranda Fairchild, with whom they have had many past interactions, the report stated. The vehicle was located at Fairchild’s home on Como Street.

Reports said a witness told police that he saw the red car hit the tree and spin its tires, causing damage to the tree, before leaving the scene eastbound.

Another driver told police they were almost hit by the vehicle before it pulled into a driveway on Como Street.

After police identified the car as Fairchild’s vehicle, officers saw her on Como Street stumbling and having trouble maintaining her balance, the report stated. Reports said that her speech was slurred and her eyes were glassy.

Police said Fairchild physically struggled with police before they were able to place her in handcuffs.

According to the police report, Fairchild denied being involved in the crash and told police that she was sleeping, but a family member told officers that she had just arrived home 10 minutes before officers arrived.

Police said Fairchild continued to struggle with officers and that she kicked officers while they were trying to secure her in the police cruiser.

Police said Fairchild continued to yell and scream at them and she was taken to Mercy Health Hospital.

Police said when she arrived at the hospital, she struggled with Mercy Health police officers and had to be carried to her hospital room. At one point, reports said she punched an officer in the face until staff restrained her on a bed.

According to Struthers Municipal Court staff, Fairchild faces charges of hit-skip, assault, obstructing official business, resisting arrest, and vandalism. The assault, vandalism, and obstructing official business charges are all felonies. Fairchild also faces a probation violation.

Her next court date is scheduled for December 11.

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