A Shenandoah man is facing multiple charges following a bizarre and destructive incident at Domino's Pizza on West Center Street on the night of December 20, 2024.
According to court documents filed by Shenandoah Police, at approximately 10:54 p.m., Captain Travis Bowman and Officer Mindy Parker-Petrus responded to a dispatch from Schuylkill County Communications reporting a disturbance at the pizza establishment. Employees had called after hearing a loud explosion, screaming, and noticing smoke emanating from the bathroom.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Joshua Lindenmuth, 32, of Shenandoah, completely naked and covered in a white powder substance, identified as the residue from a discharged fire extinguisher. Officers issued verbal commands, and Lindenmuth complied, exiting the building and lying on his stomach before being taken into custody.
During questioning, Lindenmuth appeared disoriented, claiming he did not know where he was or what had happened. Officers observed blood on his hands and thigh. Lindenmuth expressed suicidal thoughts, reportedly telling officers to shoot him in the face.
A subsequent assessment of the bathroom revealed extensive damage. The sink was broken in half, the mirror was detached from the wall, and the towel dispenser was also torn down. White powder from the fire extinguisher covered the floor and walls.
Domino's employees reported that Lindenmuth entered the store asking for a place to sleep before locking himself in the bathroom. Shortly afterward, they heard the explosion and screaming, followed by smoke, prompting them to evacuate the building. The Shenandoah Fire Department and Fire Chief were dispatched to the scene.
Officers noted signs that Lindenmuth was under the influence of an unknown substance. He exhibited confusion, slurred speech, glossy and dilated eyes, excessive sweating, and periodic twitching. Lindenmuth also made incoherent statements, including questioning if people were real or "aliens."
Lindenmuth was transported by Shenandoah Community Ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pottsville, where he was admitted under a 302 petition for mental health evaluation.
Damage estimates the store manager, totaled $1,424.33, including invoices from Quality Air Mechanical and Domino's corporate. Video footage from the scene showed Lindenmuth entering the restricted kitchen area while naked and consuming a two-liter bottle of soda without paying.
Lindenmuth was charged by Shenandoah Police Officer Mindy Petrus on February 6th, 2025 with the following offenses:
- Open Lewdness (Misdemeanor 3)
- Disorderly Conduct - Hazardous/Physically Offensive Condition (Misdemeanor 3)
- Public Drunkenness and Similar Misconduct (Summary Offense)
- Criminal Mischief - Damage to Property (Misdemeanor 2)
- Criminal Trespass/Simple Trespasser (Summary Offense)
- Risking Catastrophe (Felony 3)
- Retail Theft - Taking Merchandise (Summary Offense)
- Lindenmuth remains under medical evaluation pending further legal proceedings.