WEST PENN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A Schuylkill County police officer was assaulted and thrown down an embankment, according to authorities.Officials say West Penn Township Sergeant Melissa Ruch was driving along Route 309 when she saw a car on the side of the road.She pulled over and as she approached that car a man grabbed her and threw her over the guard rail.Ruch tumbled more than 35 feet.By the time help arrived, the man had driven away.Rescue crews retrieved her using a Stokes basket.Ruch was flown to a Lehigh Valley hospital.Her injuries are not considered life threatening.