According to court documents, police were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Berne Street around 2:55 p.m. on May 11, 2026, for a report of a domestic incident involving a knife.
Police identified the accused as Marc Frank Dougherty, 53, of Phoenixville. Officers said Dougherty allegedly fled the residence before police arrived, but was later located by Schuylkill Haven Police Chief Jeffrey Walcott and Cpl. Meisner traveling east on West Columbia Street in a blue Chrysler PT Cruiser.
According to the affidavit, the victim told police Dougherty had become increasingly angry throughout the day while yelling about political topics and other complaints. The victim alleged Dougherty spit in her face and later armed himself with a kitchen knife while threatening to kill her.
The affidavit states Dougherty allegedly approached the victim while holding the knife and screaming, “I’m gonna kill you right now.” The victim told police Dougherty then threw the knife across the room, continued yelling, struck her on the forehead with an open hand, and spit in her face again before leaving the residence.
Police also interviewed the victim’s daughter and neighboring residents, who reportedly told officers they heard arguing and screaming coming from the home, including the victim yelling about a knife and calling for police.
According to the criminal complaint, Dougherty admitted to police that he spit in the victim’s face, but denied threatening her with a knife. Officers noted in the affidavit that one kitchen knife with a brown handle appeared to be missing from a knife block inside the residence.
Dougherty was taken into custody and charged with Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault, and Harassment.
Court records show Dougherty was arraigned before on-call Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker, who set bail at $25,000 monetary. Unable to post bail, Dougherty was committed to Schuylkill County Prison.
A preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for May 26, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Casimir Kosciolek.