NOTE: This article has been updated with information regarding Flaim’s arrest related to this incident. An original version of the article indicated Jones was the only person arrested.
A Schuylkill County man and woman were jailed on assault charges earlier this week after police responded to a domestic altercation between them.
Police in Minersville say they were called to a residence in the 500 block of N. Delaware Ave. shortly after 7 p.m. on Wednesday for a reported domestic assault. At the scene, police say they were approached by a man – later identified as Joseph Flaim, 27 – claiming to be a victim of the assault.
The man, police say, had abrasions on his forearms and a bloody nose. He said his significant other – identified as 28-year-old Katelyn Jones, of Minersville – closed a door on his arm and then took several swings at him, hitting him in the face.
Jones told police that Flaim had forcefully pushed a door open, causing her to hit her head against the wall. Flaim, she said, then took a swing at her, grabbed her, and threw her on the bed. As Flaim mounted her, Jones said he placed a knee into her chest and grabbed her by the neck. She said she grabbed Jones’ forearm to get him off of her.
A witness at the scene corroborated the recounting of the events that led to police being called.
Jones and Flaim were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James Reiley early Thursday morning and each charged with a misdemeanor count of simple assault and a summary count of harassment. Reiley set their bails at 10% of $5,000 and remanded them to Schuylkill County Prison. Preliminary hearings before Senior Judge Edward Lewis are scheduled for July 7.
Schuylkill County Crisis & Support Resources
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, free, confidential, and inclusive help is available 24/7 in Schuylkill County.
- Schuylkill Hope Center (Domestic Violence): Call the 24/7 hotline at (570) 622-6220, text HOPELINE to 20121, or visit schopecenter.org. Services include emergency shelter, housing assistance, counseling, and legal representation.
- SARCC (Sexual Assault): Call the 24/7 hotline at (570) 628-2965 or visit sarccheals.org for counseling, advocacy, and healing support for survivors of sexual violence.
- Outside Schuylkill County: Residents across Pennsylvania can find their local domestic violence program at pcadv.org. You can also visit domesticshelters.org to find resources near you.
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 ...