A Schuylkill County woman and a Lansford woman broke into a Coaldale man’s home early Wednesday, held him down and cut his hair, Tamaqua police say.
Torie Smith, 19, of Coaldale, and Janiyah McGhee, 18, of Lansford, are each charged with burglary, criminal trespass, simple assault, disorderly conduct, loitering and prowling at night, and criminal mischief.
Police were called to the home shortly before 4 a.m. The man told officers two women had broken in, and he identified them as Smith and McGhee. Police say he is a former partner of both women, and that neither woman lives at the home or had permission to be there.
The man told police he was asleep on the first floor when the women jumped on top of him to hold him down. McGhee held his legs while Smith held his shoulders with one hand and cut his hair with the other, police say.
He yelled for help, and his father, who was upstairs, heard him and called 911. The man got to his feet and tried to get out the door, but the women held him back until he eventually broke free and made it outside. Both women then ran off on foot, according to police.
He told police he was hit in the lip during the struggle, causing it to bleed.
Once outside, the man found his car had been vandalized. Disparaging and derogatory words had been written on the driver’s side doors in what police believe was permanent marker, pork and sauerkraut had been thrown throughout the interior along with dog feces, and a rear tire had been punctured.
Smith was arraigned Thursday before Magisterial District Judge James Reiley, and McGhee was arraigned Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Casimir Kosciolek. Bail for each woman was set at 10% of $5,000. Both were committed to Schuylkill County Prison and released the same day after posting bail.
Preliminary hearings for both women are scheduled for Nov. 25 before Kosciolek.
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 ...