A Schuylkill County woman is facing charges after State Police say she hid her wanted boyfriend in her bedroom and repeatedly lied to investigators after he fought with troopers and fled from a Tremont Township gas station.
Brittnee Schlegel, 31, of Donaldson, is accused of providing false information to law enforcement and hindering apprehension by providing shelter to her boyfriend, Dakota Kocher, following an incident at Onvo earlier this month.
The charges stem from a search for Kocher, of Lebanon, who police say was eventually taken into custody on the morning of April 15.
The incident began shortly after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday when police say they recognized Kocher, who had active warrants out of Berks County and from the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, inside the Onvo gas station on Molleystown Road.
Police say Kocher provided a fake name, refused commands, and fought with troopers as he attempted to flee the store. During the altercation, investigators say Kocher was stunned twice with a Taser and sprayed in both eyes with pepper spray. Despite this, he managed to get into a silver Hyundai through the passenger side and flee the parking lot at a high rate of speed, police allege.
Schlegel, who owns the Hyundai, was inside the gas station during the altercation, police say. She told police she had been dating Kocher for about a month and permitted him to drive her vehicle because she did not have her glasses. Investigators say they advised Schlegel multiple times that Kocher had warrants and would face additional charges for fighting with troopers.
At 7:44 a.m., Schlegel texted police, saying Kocher had called her from a blocked number and told her where to find her car, adding that he planned to turn himself in. During a follow-up phone call at 8:05 a.m., Schlegel told police she had walked to her abandoned car “on the trails” along Molleystown Road, driven it home, and did not know where Kocher was, police say.
At 9:30 a.m., troopers went to Schlegel’s residence on Center St. in Frailey Township. Schlegel spoke with police outside the home and denied Kocher was there, police say. She told police he might be at “Fat Nan’s” in Pine Grove or at an ex-girlfriend’s home in Lebanon, and claimed she started walking to get her car and Kocher had left the keys inside.
At 9:47 a.m., a neighbor informed troopers that Kocher was inside Schlegel’s bedroom, police say.
When troopers confronted Schlegel at 9:49 a.m. and advised her they knew Kocher was inside, she replied, “No, I swear to God,” and told police she did mind if they searched the house.
After a trooper reiterated that they knew Kocher was in the bedroom, police say Schlegel became upset and stated, “I don’t wanna do this. Fine. Yes, he’s in the bedroom.”
Troopers say they entered the residence and located Kocher asleep in bed, where he was taken into custody.
Police charged Kocher later Wednesday morning with felony counts of aggravated assault against a designated individual, fleeing police, and DUI, along with multiple misdemeanor charges. He is currently being held at Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.
In addition to alleging Schlegel hid Kocher and lied to investigators, police say she provided Kocher access to her vehicle despite knowing his driving privileges were suspended. Police previously stated Kocher has a suspended license related to three prior DUI convictions.
Schlegel is now facing three misdemeanor charges of hindering apprehension and a summary charge for allowing Kocher to drive her vehicle.
RELATED:
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...