SHAMOKIN - A 46-year-old city man who allegedly attempted to punch and bite police officers and emergency medical personnel late Monday night after being taken into custody for causing a disturbance in the downtown district has been charged with multiple offenses, including a felony of aggravated assault.
Donald Wayne Jessie, of 512 Bear Valley Ave., was arraigned by video at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III and committed to Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.
According to a criminal complaint, police initially went to Jessie's home shortly before 10 p.m. to check on his welfare after being contacted by a caseworker from Northumberland County Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Services. Cpl. Darwin Tobias III and Patrolman Mark Costa were able to settle Jessie down at that time, but were called back to his residence at about 11:20 p.m. after receiving a call from caseworker Rosie West who said Jessie threatened to cut her throat and his own.
Jessie was then transported to Shamokin Police Station to await a mental health evaluation because of his threatening behavior toward himself and others. Jessie, who told police he did not want to be committed to a medical facility for an evaluation, exited the rear door of the police station at 511 N. Franklin St. and walked west on Independence Street before becoming combative and screaming and cursing. He was eventually handcuffed by officers and returned to the police station.
While being detained, Jessie became more combative and began dragging a desk from an interview room toward police, causing damage to the walls. Police said Jessie started threatening to punch officers in the face before swinging at them.
It took three police officers to hold Jessie down until AREA Services Ambulance personnel arrived at the station with a restraint system that prevented the defendant from punching and charging at police. While police and four ambulance personnel attempted to restrain Jessie with handcuffs, a transport belt, leg shackles and the restraint system for transport to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, he attempted to bite the officers and emergency medical personnel. It took more than 10 minutes before police and ambulance personnel were able to secure Jessie for transport.
In addition to aggravated assault, Jessie is charged by Patrolman Shane Mowery with misdemeanors of terroristic threats and resisting arrest, and a summary of disorderly conduct.