Man charged with punching Lansford officer in the face

A Lansford man has been charged after he punched a police officer several times in the face.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by officer Jarrod Bulger of the Lansford Police Department:

At 9:33 p.m. Oct. 9, officer Anthony Campanell was dispatched to Walnut Street to take Anvar Khatipov, 32, into custody on an involuntary commitment for a psychiatric evaluation.

Once on scene, Campanell and another person who works at the address where Khatipov was attempted to talk with Khatipov.

Campanell informed Khatipov that he was going to the hospital for an involuntary commitment. Campanell attempted to take hold of Khatipov’s arm, at which point Khatipov struck Campanell in the side of the face with a closed fist.

Campanell said that he and Khatipov fell to the ground and he again attempted to restrain and gain control of Khatipov, who continued to strike Campanell in the face with a closed fist several times.

While Khatipov continued to hit him, Campanell deployed his Taser into the back of Khatipov, who was then successfully taken into custody.

Campanell was evaluated and transported to the hospital. Khatipov was evaluated and transported as well, but declined treatment.

Doctors said that Campanell had a right orbital eye bone fracture, and fractured nose with blood in his sinuses.

In addition, doctors said that Campanell may have more fractures not seen at that time.

Khatipov faces charges of aggravated assault; resisting arrest or other law enforcement; simple assault; and harassment.

He is currently incarcerated in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500,000 bail, and is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Oct. 23 before District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek of Lansford.