Police ID Fugitive as Steel City Man, Ask for Help Locating Him

Hellertown Police have identified the man who allegedly assaulted a borough police officer Thursday afternoon and then escaped as James Scott Cruciani Jr., 21, of the 2200 block of Riverside Drive in Lower Saucon Township’s Steel City section.

According to a police department news release issued early Friday, police attempted to apprehend Cruciani after they were called to 1660 Main St. for a report of “a domestic in progress involving a threat with a firearm.”

After Cruciani was taken into custody at the scene, police say he assaulted a Hellertown officer and escaped from the area on foot.

“He is possibly still handcuffed and was last seen in the area west of (Rt.) 412 near the I-78 overpass wearing a dark blue in color t-shirt, dark blue jeans (and) brown belt,” the release stated.

During a foot pursuit Cruciani “lost his shoes” and is thus believed to be barefoot.

Police described him as being white, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 175 pounds, with light brown or blonde hair and multiple tattoos including one of his last name in Gothic lettering on his upper chest.

A warrant for Cruciani’s arrest has been issued on charges including aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer (a level 2 felony), escape (a level 3 felony), terroristict threats, simple assault-domestic violence, resisting arrest, theft, receiving stolen property and harassment.

Anyone with information about Cruciani’s whereabouts is asked to contact Hellertown Police immediately by calling 610-759-2200.

Lower Saucon Township and City of Bethlehem police reportedly assisted in the search for Cruciani along both sides of the interstate highway late Thursday night.

A search for Cruciani’s name in Pennsylvania’s online Unified Judicial system database–which includes records of prior convictions for people 18 and older–reveals a rap sheet that dates back to 2012.

According to the records posted online, Cruciani has pled guilty to charges of simple assault and driving without a license in the past, and served more than a month in Northampton County Prison in October and November of 2013 when he was unable to post bail in one case.