Woman charged after trooper pierced with needle during New Stanton arrest

A state trooper was medically evaluated this week after his finger was pierced by a hypodermic needle during an arrest at a New Stanton hotel, according to court papers.

The incident reportedly happened when the trooper was arresting Angeline M. Percha, 33. She is charged with aggravated assault, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities were called to Days Inn at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday for a reported theft. The hotel manager told police Percha admitted to taking $160 from the cash register, which she said she used to buy heroin, according to court papers.

When troopers went to her room, Percha said there were hypodermic needles in the trash can. After she was placed into custody, a trooper picked up her wallet and a needle protruding from it jabbed his pinkie finger, according to court papers. The trooper left to get a medical evaluation.

Percha told authorities that she forgot about the needle in her wallet. She was being held on $25,000 bail at the Westmoreland County Prison. A preliminary hearing is set for April 6. She did not have an attorney listed in online court records.

Percha is awaiting preliminary hearings in two drug cases in Rostraver filed by state police, according to online court records.