Monday, March 17, 2025

Girardville Man Arrested After Attempting to Flee from State Police

A Girardville man with an outstanding extradition warrant was taken into custody Thursday morning after attempting to evade Pennsylvania State Police.

According to court records, Donnie Bonham, 54, was charged with multiple offenses, including flight to avoid apprehension, evading arrest, disorderly conduct, and possession of drug paraphernalia following an incident at his residence on East Ogden Street in Girardville.

The Pennsylvania State Police reported that at approximately 6:18 a.m., Troopers were dispatched to Bonham’s residence at 204 E. Ogden St, Apt. 1 in Girardville Borough for a disturbance. Upon conducting a records check, authorities discovered Bonham had an active NCIC full extradition warrant issued by the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office in New York.

Upon arrival, Trooper Clark and Trooper Moyer attempted to detain Bonham, who initially made contact with them at his front doorway. However, after a brief conversation, Bonham slammed the door shut and locked it. Troopers then observed him at the rear of the residence and ordered him to stop and show his hands. Ignoring their commands, Bonham fled back inside the house.

Trooper McDonald deployed his taser in an effort to subdue Bonham. Despite being tased, Bonham continued to resist, requiring officers to use force to secure him in handcuffs. 

During a search, police recovered a clear silicone case containing suspected methamphetamine residue from Bonham’s pocket. Additionally, a glass smoking device with similar residue was found in plain view on a washer in his bedroom. When questioned, Bonham admitted to having smoked methamphetamine the previous night.

Bonham was transported and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli. He was placed under a $100,000 straight cash in Schuylkill County Prison.