A Minersville man with an active arrest warrant was taken into custody earlier this month following a foot chase and multiple attempts to evade police, according to Minersville Borough Police.
Thomas Cunningham, 39, of Minersville, has been charged with Flight to Avoid Apprehension, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct, after police say he fled from officers and resisted arrest on the morning of July 1, 2025.
According to an affidavit filed by Officer Gassert of the Minersville Borough Police Department, officers were monitoring the area behind Cunningham’s known residence in the 400 Block of New Castle Street around 6:00 a.m. that day. Police had received tips that Cunningham had been using the rear entrance of the property to avoid detection due to an active warrant.
Officer Gassert, who was conducting stationary patrol in a marked police vehicle, reported seeing a man matching Cunningham's description exit the rear of the home. Upon spotting the officer, the man attempted to conceal his face and quickly fled on foot after being identified as Cunningham.
Officers pursued Cunningham through several streets, eventually tracking him to a residence in the 600 Block of North 2nd Street, where neighbors had reported seeing him enter. Police entered the home through an unlocked window after announcing their presence, and a search ensued.
Moments later, Cunningham was spotted fleeing again—this time from the basement of the residence. Officers gave chase as Cunningham circled nearby homes in an attempt to escape.
Police say multiple commands were given for Cunningham to stop, but he refused. Officer Kavanaugh first deployed a taser, which temporarily incapacitated Cunningham, but he got back up and continued running. Officer Gassert then used a second taser, and Officer Securda tackled Cunningham as officers worked to subdue and restrain him.
Even after being taken to the ground, police say Cunningham continued to resist, pulling his arms under his body and refusing to be handcuffed. Officers used additional taser deployments, including a drive stun, before finally gaining control and placing him in handcuffs.
Charges against Cunningham were officially filed on July 15, 2025, through the office of Magisterial District Judge David Plachko.
Cunningham is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
Photo provided by Minersville Police