An Ashland man remains in Schuylkill County Prison after a domestic incident last month.
A 59-year-old Ashland man, Lewis Dietrick, is facing multiple charges, including simple assault, terroristic threats, and harassment, following an alleged domestic incident on December 27, 2024.
According to the Ashland Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence on Centre Street after receiving a report of a domestic dispute. The Schuylkill County Communication Center advised that the female victim, alleged that her husband, Dietrick, had attacked her, threatened her with a knife, and struck her in the head. The victim had left the residence for safety.
Officers met with the victim at another location, where they observed visible injuries, including cuts on their cheek and nose, as well as a lump on their head. Despite the injuries, the victim declined medical attention.
When officers attempted to contact Dietrick at the Centre Street residence, he did not respond. Later, with assistance from the victim, officers gained access to the home. Dietrick was found upstairs holding a knife to his wrist, threatening self-harm. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Dietrick reportedly cut himself with the knife and fled to another room.
Police used a taser to subdue Dietrick after he failed to comply with verbal commands. He was taken into custody and transported to Lehigh Valley East for medical treatment.
On January 14, 2025, Dietrick was formally charged and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli. He was committed to Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post $25,000 straight cash bail.
Dietrick remains in custody, awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 29, 2025. The case is under investigation.