A Butler Township man is facing multiple charges following an incident Friday night in which he allegedly threatened another individual with what appeared to be a handgun.
According to Butler Township Police, officers were dispatched around 10:05 p.m. on July 25 to a residence on Germanville Road for a report of a male threatening someone with a firearm. The initial call to 911 indicated that a man was holding a gun to a woman’s head.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including officers from Frackville, West Mahanoy, and Shenandoah, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers encountered a male outside the residence who was ordered to the ground and taken into custody without further incident. He was identified as 38-year-old Brandon Pogash.
Authorities say a search of the home led to the discovery of a pellet gun, which was collected as evidence. The weapon was initially believed to be a real firearm based on statements given at the scene.
Police documents allege that Pogash entered a bedroom and pointed the pellet gun at a woman, threatening to shoot her in the head. The woman reportedly attempted to push the weapon away, and Pogash then placed the gun outside the bedroom door before leaving the area. The 911 call is believed to have been made by a child who was also present at the time.
Pogash has been charged with misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another, simple assault, and summary harassment. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of 10% of $25,000 bail.
He posted bail on Monday, July 28, and was released from custody. A preliminary hearing is scheduled before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli on Wednesday, July 30.
No injuries were reported during the incident.