
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 6, 1990                   TAG: 9004060175
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TRUCK DRIVER FACES CHARGES IN TROOPER FIGHT

Two state troopers were assaulted Wednesday night on Interstate 81 in Roanoke County after one of them stopped a Pennsylvania tractor-trailer driver suspected of speeding, state police said Thursday.

Trooper T.R. Warden stopped the driver about 9:10 p.m. near the Dixie Caverns exit in the northbound lane of the highway, said state police Sgt. L.E. McMahon.

The tractor-trailer driver became argumentative and began cursing immediately after he was stopped, and Warden radioed for backup, McMahon said.

Trooper W.W. Viohl responded, but by the time he arrived, the driver had calmed down.

However, after Viohl began inspecting the tractor and trailer, a scuffle broke out, troopers said.

The troopers subdued the man and took him to the Roanoke County-Salem Jail, according to McMahon.

Warden was treated for a cracked bone in his wrist, a sprained back and abrasions.

Richard H. Dye, 45, of West Alexandria, Pa., was charged with two counts of assaulting a police officer, speeding and not keeping his log book up to date, a motor carrier misdemeanor violation.

by CNB