On Tuesday, June 4, 2025, officers from the Pottsville Bureau of Police were dispatched to the 200 Block of North Centre Street for a report of trespassing.
According to police, the victim told officers that a man, later identified as Michael Bleashka, 51, entered his apartment through an unlocked front door. The victim reported finding Bleashka near his refrigerator and said that Bleashka attempted to push past him, backing him up against the appliance. Feeling threatened, the victim armed himself with a knife and was able to force Bleashka out of the residence.
Officers located Bleashka a short time later at Barefield Park and took him into custody without incident.
Bleashka was charged with one count of criminal trespass, a felony of the third degree.
He was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Plachko, who set bail at $35,000 straight. Bleashka was then transported to the Schuylkill County Prison.