Ohio Man Punched Cop, Said He Would Kill Her, Prosecutors Say

NORTH OLMSTED, OH — An Ohio man has been charged with punching a police officer multiple times in the face while shouting he was going to kill her. The officer had to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

John Pugnea, 57, from North Olmsted, was indicted Monday by a grand jury. He is accused of assault and attempted murder of North Royalton Police Officer Alexandra Bell.

“Pugnea viciously assaulted a police officer who was simply trying to do her job,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley. “He will be held accountable for this violent, inexcusable attack.”

According to the indictment, callers said a man was driving erratically near Lynn Drive and York Road. Police were also told the driver may have threatened someone earlier in the day. Dispatch sent Bell to the scene.

When Bell arrived she stopped Pugnea's car and started to ask him what happened. He refused to listen to Bell and then began fighting her, the indictment said. He pushed her to the ground and then punched her in the face multiple times, prosecutors said.

While attacking Bell, Pugnea shouted he was going to kill her, prosecutors added.

Bell was able to free herself and another officer subdued Pugnea and arrested him.

Bell had to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

Pugnea was charged Monday with one count of attempted murder, one count of felonious assault, one count of assault and three counts of aggravated menacing. He was arraigned Tuesday morning at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center.