A Pottsville man is locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on assault charges after an altercation.
On Thursday, June 6th, 2024, around 1:30 PM, Pottsville Police Officer Anna Flail responded to a reported assault on the 1100 block of West Arch Street.
Upon arrival, Officer Flail spoke with the Housing Authority Manager, who reported that Nathanial Russell, 34, of Pottsville, had assaulted a Housing Authority employee. The employee recounted witnessing Russell smash a table on the grass outside a unit, causing it to break into pieces. When the employee asked Russell to stop and clean up the mess, an argument ensued. Russell's mother began cleaning the pieces while Russell continued to yell at the employee. Russell then pushed the employee to the ground, prompting the employee to seek refuge in a nearby unit where other workers were present and contacted the Housing Manager.
As the employee attempted to leave the unit, Russell allegedly picked up a brick and threatened to throw it at him. The employee retreated back into the unit without further engagement.
Officer Flail located Russell at another property on the 1100 block of West Arch Street. When asked to step outside, Russell refused and stood in the doorway. The Housing Authority Manager informed Russell that he was trespassing and needed to leave, but Russell argued that he was not trespassing and could return at will. Despite his sister's pleas for him to leave, Russell continued to resist Officer Flail's attempts to escort him out of the residence. Russell attempted to run into the kitchen, at which point Officer Flail secured him. During the struggle, Russell grabbed a full beer can and struck a police officer in the face, then continued to punch the officer several times.
Russell managed to break free and fled on foot but was apprehended by several officers on the 200 block of 12th Street.
Officer Flail filed a criminal complaint against Nathanial Russell, charging him with Aggravated Assault (F1), Resisting Arrest (M2), Simple Assault (M2), Evading Arrest on Foot (M2), Criminal Trespass (M3), and Harassment (S). Russell was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James Reiley and is being held in Schuylkill County Prison on $40,000 straight cash bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 10th, 2024 before Judge Reiley.
Assistance in the arrest was provided by officers from Saint Clair, Minersville, Port Carbon, and Orwigsburg.