According to Pottsville Police, on Monday, November 20th, 2023, City Police responded to a disturbance call at 441 Peacock Street around 1:10 PM. The report mentioned a woman yelling on the phone, with a man shouting in the background.
Upon reaching the address, the police climbed the stairs to the back door of the house. They encountered 40-year-old Carlos Reyes-Ortiz inside, who promptly pulled out two handguns from his waistband. Ortiz then stormed out of the house, pointing the guns aggressively at the police while screaming. The confrontation forced officers, including Sgt. Englert and Ptlm. Sullivan, to retreat for their safety.
Reyes-Ortiz's threatening actions not only put the police in danger but also caused significant public disruption. Traffic had to be rerouted as people feared for the public's safety. The situation prompted a massive response from law enforcement, involving not only Pottsville Police but also Saint Clair Police, Minersville Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Reyes-Ortiz was apprehended, and it was discovered that the firearms he brandished were actually airsoft guns. Police said these imitation weapons lacked any markings or features to distinguish them from real firearms. They also said that despite being non-lethal, the violent and menacing way in which Reyes-Ortiz wielded them made the police believe they were genuine threats.
Reyes-Ortiz is now facing serious charges, including three counts of Aggravated Assault by Physical Menace (F2), one count of Terroristic Threats (M1), three counts of Simple Assault by Physical Menace (M2), three counts of Reckless Endangerment (M2), and one count of Disorderly Conduct (M3). During a post-arrest interview, Reyes-Ortiz admitted that the airsoft guns were designed to replicate real handguns and lacked any markings indicating they were not real firearms.
Following his arrest, Reyes-Ortiz was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James Reiley, and bail was set at $50,000 in cash.
Reyes-Ortiz was unable to post bail and has been remanded to the Schuylkill County Prison.
A preliminary hearing before Judge Reiley is scheduled for December 4th, 2023.