Man pleads guilty to assault charge

WILKES-BARRE – A city man charged with assaulting a police officer in November 2010 pleaded guilty Monday to a related charge.

Clive Decolines, 24, with a last-known address of Irving Street, entered the plea to an aggravated assault charge at a hearing before Judge David Lupas, who said Decolines will be ordered to pay $116 in restitution at the time of his Feb. 21 sentencing.

Assistant District Attorney William Finnegan prosecuted the case. Decolines was represented by attorney William Watt.

According to court papers, on Nov. 12, 2010, police were notified of a man prowling in the vicinity of South Franklin and Academy streets in Wilkes-Barre.

Police approached the man, later identified as Decolines, outside the Crown Fried Chicken on South Main Street.

Police said in speaking with Decolines, they noticed a black-handled object in a front pocket, and that Decolines was acting with a stiff body posture.

Decolines did not comply with commands to put a book he was holding on the ground.

Officer Kenneth Jones said a struggle began with Decolines, with Decolines attempting to gouge the officer's eyes and threatening to kill him.

Jones said Decolines also tried to remove his pistol from him and that Decolines was eventually taken into custody with the help of other officers.

When searched, police said Decolines was in possession of a large knife.

Jones was treated at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for lacerations and abrasions he received in the altercation.