BUFFALO TWP — Michael J. Oehling Jr., a candidate for township supervisor in this month’s primary, is off the campaign trail.

Instead, the 23-year-old Oehling is in the Butler County Prison.

He faces a list of charges including felony assault for allegedly kicking two police officers after leading township police on a chase early Sunday morning.

The chase began about 2 a.m. after Oehling allegedly stole a large campaign sign belong to one of his political opponents.

He is running for one of two Republican nominations for a six-year term for the township supervisors in the May 19 primary.

He is challenging incumbents John Haven and Gary Risch Sr.

Authorities believe Oehling stole one of Risch’s signs that was on the side of Route 365 next to the GetGo convenience store.

“It’s a big sign, 2 feet by 4 feet,” Risch said. “It’s one of that I had from the last election.”

Patrolman Daniel Ambrose didn’t see the alleged theft but he happened to be on patrol near the park and ride when he saw the suspected getaway car whiz by northbound on Route 356,

Oehling was behind the wheel of the red car. Another man was riding on top of the hatchback door with his head resting near the roof line, according to court documents.

All that Ambrose could see in the car was a “large wooden object” that was propping open the hatchback door.

The officer tried to pull over the car, but Oehling did not stop. Eventually, he got home.

Ambrose told Oehling to get out of the car, but he refused.

When the officer tried to handcuff Oehling, he allegedly ripped his arm away and tried to run, He didn’t get far. Police said he smelled of alcohol.

Officers later found an open bottle of peppermint schnapps on the car’s passenger side floor.

Eventually, documents said, Ambrose took Oehling to the ground and managed to cuff him, but not without a struggle.

A second township officer arrived and helped Ambrose put Oehling in the back of the arresting officer’s patrol car.

But he kicked both officers. He was taken to Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights, Allegheny County, for a blood test,

Police did not say if they will charge the passenger in Oehling’s car.