Police: Schuylkill County officer assaulted, thrown down embankment

Wednesday, September 2, 2015
WEST PENN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A Schuylkill County police officer was assaulted and thrown down an embankment, according to authorities.

Officials say West Penn Township Sergeant Melissa Ruch was driving along Route 309 when she saw a car on the side of the road.

She pulled over and as she approached that car a man grabbed her and threw her over the guard rail.
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Ruch tumbled more than 35 feet.

By the time help arrived, the man had driven away.

Rescue crews retrieved her using a Stokes basket.



Ruch was flown to a Lehigh Valley hospital.

Her injuries are not considered life threatening.
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