BELL TOWNSHIP: A 26-year-old Punxsutawney man is facing multiple criminal charges after Pennsylvania State Police say he reported for emergency snow-removal duty while intoxicated and caused a disturbance that temporarily halted road-clearing operations during a winter storm.
According to court documents, Logan Francis Geist, of Punxsutawney, was called into work on January 25 at the PennDOT maintenance facility on Witherow Street in Bell Township, Jefferson County. Investigators say that upon his arrival, it was immediately apparent to supervisors and coworkers that Geist was intoxicated and unable to safely perform his job duties.
Witnesses told police that Geist began shouting, acting aggressively, and behaving in a manner that suggested he was preparing to fight other employees. Managers reported that Geist “squared up” to several coworkers before retreating into an office and locking the door.
When Geist later exited the office, staff said he continued to act confrontational, staring at employees with clenched fists and refusing to comply with orders from supervisors. Police say he ignored repeated instructions, including direct commands not to enter a PennDOT vehicle.
According to the criminal complaint, Geist’s behavior caused a significant disruption at the facility, preventing PennDOT crews from deploying equipment and clearing roadways during the ongoing snowstorm — a delay investigators noted posed a risk to public safety.
Troopers from Pennsylvania State Police Punxsutawney responded to the scene and found Geist sitting in an office, refusing to speak or cooperate. Police say he passively resisted arrest. During efforts to take him into custody, Geist reportedly fell forward and struck his head on a desk, resulting in a small cut above his left eye.
Troopers further reported that once Geist was placed inside a patrol vehicle, he continued resisting by kicking the door and striking the vehicle’s center pillar.
Geist was charged on January 27 in the office of Jacqueline J. Mizerock with the following offenses:
- Obstructing the Administration of Law / Other Government Function (M2)
- Resisting Arrest (M2)
- Disorderly Conduct – Hazardous or Physically Offensive Condition (M3)
- Disorderly Conduct – Engaging in Fighting (Summary)
A preliminary hearing date has not yet been scheduled.
As with all criminal matters, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
