SHAMOKIN - A 46-year-old city man who allegedly attempted to punch and bite police officers and emergency medical personnel last week apologized to Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III after waiving to court multiple charges Tuesday morning.
Donald Wayne Jessie, of 512 Bear Valley Ave., told Gembic, "I want to apologize your honor for taking up your time."
Jessie, who was handcuffed and wearing leg shackles, told the judge he understood the ramifications of forfeiting his right to a preliminary hearing on two criminal complaints filed by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery in connection with disturbances on June 3.
Jessie was ordered by Gembic to appear for plea court July 29 at Northumberland County Courthouse, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.
Gembic wished the defendant luck prior to him being recommitted to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury.
Despite his unruly behavior last week which resulted in multiple charges, Jessie was well behaved in court and during his transports to and from prison by Coal Township Patrolmen Terry Ketchem and Edward Purcell.
Jessie waived to court a felony of aggravated assault, misdemeanors of terroristic threats and resisting arrest, and a summary of disorderly conduct.
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 a caseworker who reported Jessie was making threats to harm himself and others.
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.
Jessie also waived to court charges of disorderly conduct and public drunkenness relating to a 3 a.m. incident outside his home in which he allegedly repeatedly screamed, disturbing neighbors. According to police, Jessie yelled, "It's my God-given right to go outside and scream my lungs out, and I don't care who I disturb."