Mercer County's District Attorney is investigating an incident after a video of an arrest between Farrell Police and a suspect began circulating on social media. 

According to a press release, Farrell Police Chief Charles Rubano requested Mercer County District Attorney Peter Acker to investigate the incident which has drawn accusations of improperly handling an arrest on social media. 

Farrell Police were notified of an assault near the intersection of Bond and Hoon Streets in Farrell. After responding to the incident, police arrested Aries Devon Shaw, 27, on charges of manufacturing, and delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. 

According to the release,  Farrell Police allegedly found a baggie containing 14.49 grams of cocaine or fentanyl, an another containing 6.09 grams of similar material, totaling 20.58 grams. 

According to the police, they also found 4 separate bundles of cash, totaling $709, as well as a digital scale with substance residue on it. 

Shaw was also charged with use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

Farrell Police are working to identify and locate the alleged assault victim, and plan add assault charges against Shaw. 

According to the release, at one point during the arrest Shaw repeatedly told officers he could not breathe. Shaw was examined by EMT's after he was arrested, who reported no significant injuries or inability to breathe. 

According to the release, Shaw attempted to flee on foot after being asked to submit to a weapons frisk, and refused to surrender his hands from his waist area to behind his back where he could be handcuffed. 

Lashaii Hadden, 35 of Farrell, PA, was allegedly also involved in assaultive behavior against the victim. Ms. Hadden was placed in the Mercer County Jail for a warrant out of this office.

The release reads, "social media posts have attempted to characterize the actions of the involved Farrell Police officers as improper." 

According to the release, Acker has reviewed police body camera footage as well as independent footage of the arrest and concluded that it appears that Shaw attempted to flee police. Acker also concluded that that the conduct of the Farrell Police involved in this matter was in compliance with internal Farrell Police protocols and Pennsylvania laws.

Since this is an ongoing investigation, the District Attorney will not authorize Farrell Police to release the video footage or incident reports at this time.