x
Breaking News
More () »

Community Rallies Behind Assaulted Police Officer

WEST PENN TOWNSHIP — The search continues for the person who police say assaulted and injured a female officer in Schuylkill County. Back in 2007, Newswat...
sch officer

WEST PENN TOWNSHIP -- The search continues for the person who police say assaulted and injured a female officer in Schuylkill County.

Back in 2007, Newswatch16 interviewed the officer involved, Melissa Ruch. At the time, Ruch was known as Melissa Johnson and was the new chief of police for Mahanoy Township.

Ruch currently works as not only a police officer in West Penn Township , but also a lieutenant with the West Penn Fire Company.

"Since I was 14, I joined the ambulance and the fire company," Ruch said in 2007. "I have been doing it so it's just part of my life."

Officer ruch is now recovering in the hospital after investigators say the driver of a dark-colored Nissan assaulted her on Route 309 just south of Tamaqua. Ruch was later found about 20 feet down an embankment.

People in the area say Ruch is a very well respected officer, and they hope whoever is responsible is found and things can get back to normal.

Richard Mankos owns a restaurant called Knepper's Inn just down the road and knows Ruch as a regular customer.

"She's very nice woman to deal with and I had no problems with her," said Mankos. "She comes in here and patronizes me along with her other colleagues."

"Anyone who hurts a law enforcement person needs to be caught - plain and simple," added waitress Tammy Steigerwalt.

If it's any indication of her desire to come back, listen to what Ruch had to say back in 2007 when asked about being a female police officer.

"Don't ever think you can't do it," she said. "There are many females out there as officers. I feel if I can do it, [you should] do it."

If you have any information, you're asked to call state police.

Before You Leave, Check This Out