Perzel’s son is slated
to stand trial

Sam Perzel, the 18-year-old son of state Rep. John Perzel, will stand trial on Thursday, Dec. 27, at the Criminal Justice Center on assault charges involving a Philadelphia police officer.
The younger Perzel was arrested in the early-morning hours of Nov. 18 near Second and Tasker streets in South Philadelphia.
Officers from the 3rd Police District responded to reports of fights involving some of the 50-plus people gathered on the street.
Officer Melissa Curcio testified at a preliminary hearing last week that she ordered Perzel, of the 7800 block of Brous Ave. in Lexington Park, to leave the area. The officer said the teenager refused and that she attempted to place him under arrest.
According to Curcio, Perzel said, "Get off of me," and hit her in the face. The officer and a colleague were eventually able to subdue and arrest him.
The teen was originally charged with aggravated assault, but a Municipal Court judge threw out that charge. Perzel faces misdemeanor charges of simple assault, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct.
Rep. Perzel (R-172nd dist.), a former speaker of the House of Representatives, is not commenting on the incident. He considers it a family matter, according to a spokesman for the legislator.
Sam Perzel, who is being represented by Joe Canuso, is the youngest of John and Sheryl Perzel’s four sons. ••