A Zion Grove man is behind bars after Pennsylvania State Police say he exposed himself and brandished a firearm during a domestic dispute Monday afternoon in North Union Township.
Ronald Joseph Yalch Jr., 48, of Zion Grove, was charged by the Pennsylvania State Police from the Frackville barracks in connection with the February 23, 2026 incident.
According to court documents filed by Trooper Kyle F. Brands, troopers were dispatched at approximately 12:38 p.m. to a residence along Millers Road in North Union Township for a report of an active domestic violence incident involving a weapon. The initial report was made via text telephone communication by a female resident of the home who is deaf and indicated that Yalch was armed with a pistol.
Troopers arrived on scene at approximately 12:53 p.m. and obtained written statements from those present.
Allegations Detailed in Complaint
In her written statement, the female victim stated she and Yalch were involved in what she described as a “small argument” when Yalch allegedly removed his pants, exposed himself, and made inappropriate gestures toward her. She further reported that during the argument, Yalch retrieved a handgun, approached her with it, and pulled or racked the slide in front of her. She told troopers that while he did not directly point the firearm at her, he waved it around during the confrontation.
A male witness, who was also present during the dispute and is deaf, provided a written statement as well. The witness alleged that Yalch pointed the firearm at the female victim because he was upset over her relationship with the witness. The witness also stated that Yalch lowered his pants multiple times during the argument.
Firearm Seized
Troopers asked Yalch about the location of his firearm. Yalch reportedly told police it was stored in his upstairs bedroom inside the top drawer of a dresser. With written consent from his wife, troopers searched the bedroom and located a Smith & Wesson SD40 VE handgun in the dresser drawer.
Police said the firearm had a magazine inserted containing 13 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. The weapon and ammunition were seized as evidence.
Yalch was detained at the scene and transported to the Frackville barracks for further questioning.
Yalch’s Statement to Police
During an interview conducted at approximately 3:56 p.m., Yalch was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with investigators.
According to the affidavit, Yalch stated the argument began because the female resident was moving her boyfriend into the residence with his permission. He told investigators he removed his pants during the dispute to make a point, claiming he disapproved of what he viewed as inappropriate clothing and behavior inside the home.
Yalch admitted retrieving his firearm during the escalating argument, stating he was concerned the male witness might intervene and that he had only known him for three days. He told police the witness had not acted aggressively or threatened him, but said the witness’s presence made him fearful.
Yalch denied pointing the gun at anyone, stating that because he uses hand gestures and sign language while communicating, the pistol may have appeared to be waving. He told investigators he intended to isolate himself in the garage with the firearm but ultimately decided to return it to the dresser and put his pants back on.
According to the affidavit, Yalch later described introducing the firearm into the situation as a “bonehead move,” stating in hindsight that it “doesn’t seem reasonable.”
Charges and Court Proceedings
Yalch is charged with:
- Two counts of Indecent Exposure (M1)
- Two counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (M2)
- Two counts of Simple Assault (M2)
- Two counts of Harassment – Course of Conduct With No Legitimate Purpose (S)
He was arraigned Monday before Edward Tarantelli and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $35,000 straight cash bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2026, before Judge Tarantelli.