On February 22, 2026, at approximately 7:40 a.m., the Lancaster Township Police Department conducted a traffic stop for an unregistered motor vehicle near the intersection of N. Broad Street and E. Orange Street. During the stop, officers confirmed that the driver, Jeremiah Cotton, was operating the vehicle while his driver’s license was suspended for DUI related offenses.

Cotton became irate and physically obstructed the vehicle towing process despite multiple warnings from officers. Cotton continued to interfere, yelled at officers, and assumed a fighting stance toward them.

When officers attempted to place Cotton in handcuffs, he resisted and physically fought with officers for several minutes, resulting in damaged equipment and physical injuries to three officers.

Jeremiah Cotton was charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault, three counts of Simple Assault, three counts of Harassment, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief, Driving with a Suspended License, Driving Without a License, and Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle. He was subsequently incarcerated at Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing in this matter is scheduled for February 26, 2026, before the Honorable Mary Mongiovi Sponaugle, Magisterial District Court 02-2-03, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

***All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.***