A Pottsville man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he broke into an occupied home and fought with the residents in the early hours of June 24, 2025.
According to court documents filed by the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, Gary W. Hummel II, 43, was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Andrew Serina on charges including felony burglary, DUI, criminal mischief, and harassment.
Troopers responded around 1:42 a.m. to a report of an intruder at a residence on Sharon Drive in Norwegian Township. The homeowners told police that an unknown man forced his way through the front door while they were inside.
The homeowner reported that after hearing a loud bang, he left his bedroom and found Hummel standing at the end of the hallway. The homewoner said Hummel, who appeared disoriented, charged him and started a physical altercation. The struggle continued until the homeowner’s adult son retrieved a wooden bat and struck Hummel approximately twice, which stopped the fight.
The family then directed Hummel into the kitchen and held him there until officers arrived. The front door of the home was damaged during the incident.
Troopers located a black Ford Explorer registered to Hummel parked nearby. St. Clair Police officers detained him until state police arrived.
Hummel told authorities he had attended his son’s baseball game in Pottsville earlier in the evening and later consumed Fireball whiskey. He said he did not remember anything after drinking.
While in custody, Hummel reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts and was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill for evaluation and a blood draw.
Hummel was formally charged with:
- Burglary – Overnight Accommodations, Person Present (Felony 1)
- DUI/Unsafe Driving (Misdemeanor)
- Criminal Mischief – Damage Property (Misdemeanor 3)
- Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact (Summary)