Monday, July 15, 2024

Pottsville Man in Custody Following Hours Long Standoff


A man is in custody following a standoff early Sunday morning in Pottsville.

In the early hours of Sunday, July 14, 2024, Pottsville Police responded to an incident involving an armed individual at 817 West Race Street. 

According to authorities, the incident began around 4:00 am when City Police were dispatched by County Communications following a report that Jonathan Reed, who had an active mental health warrant, was at his residence.

Upon arrival, Detective Joseph Krammes observed people screaming and fleeing from the vicinity of Reed's home. Family members, including Reed's sister, informed the police that Reed was armed with a gun and had poured gasoline on the floor of the house. In response, Reed entered his home, prompting officers to establish a perimeter to ensure the safety of both the responding officers and the public.

Despite numerous commands to exit the house peacefully, Reed refused to comply. As the situation escalated, additional departments arrived on the scene to provide assistance. After approximately an hour of unsuccessful negotiations, the Pennsylvania State Police Special Operations Unit was deployed. Consequently, streets from 7th to 9th on Race and Speacht Streets were shut down.

The Special Operations Unit made several attempts to coax Reed out of the house. However, around 7:45 am, Reed was seen at a window pointing a long rifle towards the operations unit members. The standoff continued until approximately 9:00 am when Reed finally surrendered peacefully. A loaded long rifle was subsequently recovered from a second-floor bedroom inside the residence.

Jonathan Reed now faces multiple charges, including five counts of aggravated assault by physical menace, one count of causing or risking a catastrophe, four counts of terroristic threats, and one count of resisting arrest.