Officer injured after being assaulted on traffic stop

COATESVILLE >> Traffic stops are inherently dangerous for police officers. A Coatesville police officer was reminded of just how dangerous when he made a routine traffic stop last week.

On Nov.22 at 6:14 a.m., Coatesville Ptl. Matthew DiEmedio was dispatched to North Fourth Street and Lumber Street for a domestic dispute. While in the area, he witnessed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed west on Coates Street. Police said the vehicle matched the description of the vehicle involved in the dispute.

DiEmedio conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of Lumber Street. During the traffic stop, Nicole Kelly of 2000 Block Valley Drive in West Chester got out her car and became aggressive toward DiEmedio. Kelly then attempted

to get into the vehicle and leave, police said.

When DiEmedio got Kelly out of the vehicle, a physical struggle ensued. During the struggle, Morrie Daniels, of the 100 block of North Third Avenue in Coatesville intervened in the struggle by getting in between DiEmedio and Kelly.

Daniels then stopped

intervening and stepped back, but Kelly shoved the officer, and she was forcibly taken to the ground. Daniels separated DiEmedio off of Kelly and a physical altercation began.

To de-escalate the situation, DiEmedio deployed his taser on Daniels, police said, and he was then taken into custody. Once Daniels was taken into custody, Kelly was then

also taken into custody. Both Daniels and Kelly were transported to the station, where they were held until their arraignments.

DiEmedio suffered minor injuries to his head and knees and was treated for injuries as a result of the incident.

Daniels was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer,

obstruction of law enforcement, DUI and related offenses. He was arraigned and remanded to Chester County Prison. His bail was set at $15,000 cash.

Kelly was charged with obstruction of law enforcement, resisting arrest and related offenses. She was remanded to Chester County Prison. Her bail was set at 10 percent of $7,500.

Matt DiEmedio