A Schuylkill County man was jailed last week on felony weapons and assault charges after police say he physically assaulted a woman and revealed a firearm while threatening neighboring children during an argument the previous night.
Joseph O’Bryant, 42, of Minersville, was arraigned Friday on multiple charges, including felony counts of possession of a firearm prohibited, carrying a firearm without a license, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Police in Minersville say report O’Bryant was unable to post $50,000 bail set by Magisterial District Judge Christian Lengel and is being held at Schuylkill County Prison.
Police say they received a dispatch call Friday evening to contact a victim regarding the alleged incident. The victim told police she and O’Bryant were involved in an argument at a home in the 600 block of Lewis Street at about 7:30 p.m. on Thursday (June 25).
During the argument, the victim told police O’Bryant began to push her and spit on her. The victim said O’Bryant then threatened to strike neighboring children, at which point he lifted his shirt and revealed a firearm on his hip.
Police say two witnesses provided written statements regarding the incident. The witnesses told investigators they observed O’Bryant in possession of the firearm and said he was extremely aggressive. The witnesses told police they feared O’Bryant might use the firearm in anger.
A criminal history check conducted by police revealed O’Bryant is a person not permitted to possess a firearm due to a prior felony conviction from July 2008.
In addition to the felony weapons and aggravated assault offenses, police charged O’Bryant with simple assault and harassment. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 7.
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