The preliminary hearing for Ray Shetler was continued yesterday because Westmoreland County Deputy Sheriff Irvin Shipley was unable to testify due to “serious bodily injuries” suffered when he fought with Shetler while attempting to take him into custody on December 7th. Shipley should be sufficiently recovered from his head and shoulder injuries to testify by January 7th, the new date set by District Judge Denise Snyder Thiel.
The 37-year-old Shetler fought with state troopers and sheriff’s deputies after he was found hiding under a futon with blankets over him at a trailer near Seward. He was wanted for failing to appear at a probation revocation hearing related to the 2015 shooting death of St. Clair Township Police officer Lloyd Reed. Shetler was found not guilty of murder but was convicted for stealing a truck when he fled the scene of the incident in New Florence.
Shetler was also injured in the fight, suffering broken bones and a fractured eye socket. He is charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest. Judge Thiel rejected a defense request to reduce his $250,000 bond.
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