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.
James Scott Cruciani Jr.
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 recent photo of James Scott Cruciani Jr. posted on his Facebook page shows a distinctive tattoo 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.
