Assaulting Police Results In Lincoln University Man Behind Bars

WEST CHESTER, PA —A 31-year Lower Oxford Township man was sentenced Monday in the Chester County Justice Center to six and a half to 13 years in state prison for burglary and assaulting a detective who suffered severe nerve damage and will not be able to work in law enforcement.

Brian Barnett was sentenced after being convicted by Judge Lou Mincarelli in a bench trial of
burglary, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and disarming a law enforcement officer on March 20.

“This defendant violently entered a home and assaulted both homeowners before turning his aggression and violence toward police.” District Attorney Deb Ryan said.
“The detective who was injured during the arrest of the defendant suffered severe nerve damage and now will never be able to work in this field again.”

According to police, Barnett broke into a residence in Valley Township and assaulted the homeowners.

• The homeowners left the house, but when police attempted to detain Barnett he took a taser from an officer and continued to assault police.
• Multiple other police officers arrived on the scene from various agencies to assist in the arrest of the defendant.
• Two officers sought medical treatment at nearby hospitals. A third officer suffered an asthma attack as a result of struggling to detain the defendant.