MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING PITTSBURGH POLICE OFFICER

A Pittsburgh man was charged with assaulting a city police officer and other offenses after he struck the officer while trying to drive away from police who were investigating drug activity Saturday in Hazelwood. Christopher Sullivan, 29, was charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and fleeing and eluding police, and may face additional charges. Mr. Sullivan also was wanted for fleeing and eluding police in two previous incidents. Mr. Sullivan and two other people were arrested shortly after noon Saturday by police who said they had observed a man apparently selling drugs near Chatworth and Marsden streets. Officers saw the suspected dealer conduct a sale with another man, then saw Mr. Sullivan get out of a truck and approach the suspected dealer. Officers moved in and chased Mr. Sullivan and the suspected dealer when they began running. Mr. Sullivan ignored police, who shouted for him to stop, and started to drive away. His side-view mirror sideswiped an officer, knocking the officer backward, police said. The officer was not hurt.