Judge's bail rulings infuriate U. Darby cops

A man who illegally put red and blue flashing police lights on his car allegedly pulled over the wrong vehicle in Upper Darby on Saturday morning - an unmarked police car.

The driver, Jean LaRochel Jr., 26, of Upper Darby, fought officers as they attempted to take him into custody - repeatedly punching one and biting and spitting at another, Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said.

But within hours of his arrest, LaRochel was free on unsecured bail - one of three allegedly violent suspects who were released on their own signatures this weekend by District Judge David H. Lang, Chitwood said.

Lang's decisions infuriated Upper Darby officers and caused Chitwood to send a scathing letter yesterday to Lang, Delaware County President Judge Joseph P. Cronin and district-court administrator Ward T. Williams.

"This guy [Lang] is from Marple Township and Radnor," Chitwood said. "He should stay up there if he's afraid to give people the appropriate bail here."

LaRochel pulled over undercover cops who were on robbery detail about 1 a.m. at Clover Lane near Crosley Avenue, police said.

"I can only imagine what would have occurred if this was a lone female or anyone other than a police officer . . . ," Chitwood wrote in his letter.

LaRochel's subsequent violent behavior toward police officers should only compound concerns, Chitwood said.

During his arrest, LaRochel's father, Jean LaRochel Sr., 50, and other family members showed up at the scene.

Police said that the elder LaRochel was also disorderly, standing in front of the tow truck as it tried to remove the car.

LaRochel Jr. was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest and related offenses. His father was charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstructing the administration of law.

Both were released on signature bail, Chitwood said.

"To say that I am outraged is putting it lightly," he said.

A man who attempted to assault cops as he was arrested during a bar fight early Sunday and a woman who punched, bit and ran after her live-in boyfriend with a knife on Sunday were also released on signature bail by Lang, Chitwood said.

"While I understand that bail is a condition to ensure that a subject appears for court, other issues must be considered, including the danger a subject poses to the public," Chitwood wrote in his letter.

Messages to Lang were not returned yesterday.