Natasha L. Ervin Lyons, 43, was charged following an incident on the night of July 17 that began with a traffic stop involving a Nissan Maxima driven by Gary Jerome Thompson. Thompson allegedly fled on foot after stopping his vehicle and was later taken into custody following a pursuit.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Schuylkill Haven Police, Ervin Lyons moved the Nissan from the initial traffic stop location to Saint John Street, directly across from where officers were attempting to arrest Thompson after he fled.
While police remained with Thompson, Lyons allegedly approached the officer despite being told to return to the vehicle. According to the affidavit, Lyons repeatedly stated she needed the vehicle's keys from Thompson and refused to leave until she obtained them. When the officer instructed her to remain on the curb for officer safety, she allegedly replied, "I don't care."
Additional officers later arrived at the scene, and police determined Lyons needed to be interviewed regarding allegations that she had hindered Thompson's apprehension because he was wanted on active warrants.
According to the affidavit, police later walked to the Nissan to photograph its illegal window tint and inoperable license plate light. At that point, Lyons allegedly followed him and again attempted to enter the vehicle. Police said she was advised the car would be towed and that she would not be permitted to get inside because officers intended to interview her regarding Thompson's apprehension.
Police said Lyons continued arguing with officers before she was informed she was under arrest. According to the affidavit, she refused repeated verbal commands, pulled away from police, kept her hands away from officers to prevent handcuffing and continued struggling as officers attempted to take her into custody.
Assisting police attempted to restrain Lyons. During the struggle, police allege Lyons bit a police officer twice beneath his right armpit while he was helping officers gain control of her. According to the affidavit, the bites caused bleeding and redness, and left visible teeth marks. The officer was treated by Schuylkill EMS at the scene before later going to the hospital for further evaluation.
Police also allege that during the struggle, Lyons caused damage to a blue truck truck parked nearby by scratching the vehicle's paint.
After being transported to the Schuylkill Haven Police Department, Lyons was advised of her Miranda rights and agreed to speak with investigators, according to police. The affidavit states she acknowledged Thompson had active warrants but said she was unaware of their current status because he had been away from their residence for about three weeks. Police also noted that Schuylkill Haven Police had previously spoken with both Lyons and Thompson regarding the warrants and had attempted to persuade Thompson to surrender.
Lyons was charged with aggravated assault, hindering apprehension or prosecution, obstructing administration of law or other governmental function, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief.
She was arraigned July 18 before on-call Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, who set bail at $50,000 monetary. Unable to post bail, Lyons remains incarcerated in Schuylkill County Prison. Court records show her preliminary hearing is scheduled for to August 4 before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek.