Pennsylvania

Cops: Man Used Son to Avoid Pepper Spray From an Officer

Police say a northeastern Pennsylvania man tried using his son as a shield to avoid being pepper-sprayed by an officer.

The (Scranton) Times-Tribune, citing police, says it happened Thursday at South Scranton Intermediate.

Police say 35-year-old Taron Boddie was arguing with school officials, prompting a police response. Police say Boddie put his hands on an officer's chest. Patrolman Joseph Kearney pulled out his pepper spray and Boddie allegedly picked up his son and used him as a shield to stop Kearney from using it.

School officials then took the child away from Boddie. He was sprayed in the face and taken into custody.

He's free pending a hearing on charges including simple assault and child endangerment. A valid phone listing couldn't be located for him Saturday.

Copyright The Associated Press
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