A domestic dispute evolved into a brief standoff Thursday when a Schuylkill County man allegedly threw a kitchen chair at police and barricaded himself inside his basement.
Matthew Moll, 43, of Pottsville, faces second-degree misdemeanors for resisting arrest and simple assault, along with a summary count of harassment, stemming from the incident at his Cedar St. home on Thursday.
Police in Pottsville say they were dispatched to the residence on Thursday and heard yelling coming from the backyard. Officers spoke with a crying woman who reported Moll had pushed her multiple times.
Police say they entered the home to speak with Moll, who was intoxicated. According to police, Moll became aggressive, demanded officers leave, and locked himself inside the residence after officers attempted to deescalate the situation.
Police then observed Moll arguing with another woman in the kitchen. Police say that woman opened the rear door for officers and safely exited the residence. After Moll refused to speak with police from outside and continued to act aggressively, police regained entry and confronted him in the kitchen.
As police entered, they allege Moll armed himself with a kitchen chair. Police drew Tasers and ordered him to drop it. Police say Moll threw the chair in their direction and retreated into the basement.
Police followed Moll to the top of the stairs, where he allegedly pushed a computer chair in front of the landing to block access. Police say Moll refused multiple commands to exit the basement and made statements indicating suicidal thoughts, though he acknowledged police were there due to the altercation with his wife.
Additional police units were called to establish a perimeter. Police say they were eventually able to enter the basement and take Moll into custody without further incident.
Moll was arraigned early July 17 and released after 10% of his $15,000 bail was posted on his behalf. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 27.
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.
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