Man Jumps Into Creek to Avoid Arrest in Schuylkill County

Police say a Harrisburg man jumped into a creek to avoid arrest last week in Schuylkill County.

According to an affidavit filed by State Police-Frackville, a Trooper was dispatched to a home in Middleport shortly after 7 p.m. on March 14 for a report of a domestic altercation.

At the scene, police say they spoke with the alleged victim of the domestic fight. She reportedly told police that the fight between her and Xavier Mercado, 33, of Harrisburg, started around 7 p.m. that evening. The fight was over damage done to her vehicle and she suspected Mercado was responsible for it.

The argument turned physical when Mercado allegedly punched the victim twice in the forehead, then shoved her to the ground, and punched her once more in the head. Police say they observed a large bruise above the victim’s right eyebrow.

Prior to police arriving on the scene, Mercado reportedly fled the scene on foot. Police say they searched the area and found Mercado walking on Coal St., near its intersection with Railroad St. As police attempted to make contact with Mercado, he allegedly jumped into a nearby creek and continued to flee on foot.

Court records show Mercado was eventually arrested and arraigned on March 15 before District Magistrate Judge AJ Serina. Police have charged Mercado with simple assault and evading arrest, both misdemeanors, and harassment, a summary offense.

Serina set bail at $25,000 cash and remanded Mercado to Schuylkill County Prison.

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