A former Carbon County man pleaded guilty two three criminals counts, including assaulting a police officer while he was being arrested for drunken driving.

Richard Gechter, 47, of Coplay, and formerly of Lehighton, pleaded guilty Thursday before Judge Steven R. Serfass to one count each of simple assault, resisting arrest, driving under the influence and a summary charge of speeding.He was arrested on April 24, 2014, in the area of 900 Mahoning Street at Ninth Street in Lehighton. Officer Matthew Bender stopped Gechter for speeding, 43 mph in a 25 mph zone.At the stop, Bender smelled alcohol coming from inside the vehicle.Gechter exited the vehicle and was told he was being placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI.Gechter then tried to flee and was restrained by Bender.The two then struggled, with Bender sustaining an injury to his right hand. Gechter was finally subdued and taken into custody.Gechter is currently an inmate in the Lehigh County prison on other charges.Serfass deferred sentencing because Gechter needs a drug and alcohol evaluation because of the DUI charge.