POTTSVILLE - A Pottsville man remains locked up in Schuylkill County Prison after a domestic dispute on Friday.
According to Pottsville Police, on Friday, August 4th, 2023, officers were called to the 300 block of E. Race Street to address a domestic dispute in progress. The incident occurred at approximately 3:07 PM, prompting swift police response.
Upon reaching the location, law enforcement engaged with a 46-year-old woman, who detailed the events that had unfolded. The victim expressed her intention to leave her residence due to concerning behavior exhibited by her husband, 52-year-old, Baljinder Matharu. As per her account, the situation escalated rapidly when she attempted to enter her vehicle.
Sources reveal that the altercation took a violent turn when Baljinder Matharu forcibly restrained his wife, causing injury to her left forearm as he tugged on her arm. The victim managed to escape the vehicle and reenter the residence to retrieve a bag. However, Baljinder seized the bag, initiating a struggle during which he tackled her to the floor, preventing her from getting up.
In a desperate bid to break free from the confrontation, the victim drew a firearm from her purse, a move that reportedly compelled her husband to relinquish his hold. During the altercation, the victim recounted sustaining further injuries as she collided with a door during Baljinder's forceful actions.
Officers on the scene encountered significant resistance from Baljinder Matharu, who initially declined to disclose his identity and refused to distance himself from his wife. It took repeated instructions from law enforcement to de-escalate the situation and gather his personal information.
Baljinder Matharu provided an alternate account of the incident, stating that the confrontation stemmed from a dispute over the bag. According to him, his actions inadvertently caused the woamn to fall against a door, prompting her to brandish a firearm in self-defense, forcing him to withdraw.
The gravity of the situation led to Baljinder Matharu's apprehension on charges of simple assault, pursuant to domestic violence.
Pottsville Police filed charges against Baljinder Matharu include 1 count of Simple Assault Pursuant Domestic Violence (Grading M2) and 1 count of Harassment by Physical Contact (Grading Summary).
Subsequently, Baljinder Matharu faced arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Reiley in Pottsville. The arraignment took place at 5:05 PM, leading to his remand to Schuylkill County Prison under 10% of a $10,000 bail.
Subsequently, Baljinder Matharu faced arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Reiley in Pottsville. The arraignment took place at 5:05 PM, leading to his remand to Schuylkill County Prison under 10% of a $10,000 bail.