A Tamaqua man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he attempted to enter homes, fled from officers, and later head-butted a police officer while being treated at a hospital.
According to court documents, Malik Xavier Zver, 26, of Tamaqua, was charged by Tamaqua Police on July 11 with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, evading arrest on foot, flight to avoid apprehension, loitering and prowling at night, simple assault, three counts of resisting arrest, and public drunkenness.
Police were dispatched around 2:53 a.m. Saturday to the 200 block of Cedar Street after receiving multiple reports of a man attempting to break into homes. According to the affidavit, callers reported the individual pounding on doors and trying door handles while residents were inside their homes.
As officers searched the area, they spoke with a resident on Greenwood Street who reported seeing a man walking back toward Cedar Street. Police then contacted another witness at 212 Cedar Street, who identified Zver as the individual allegedly attempting to locate surveillance video of his actions. The witness told police Zver had been standing on the porch and hitting the front door before fleeing when confronted.
According to the criminal complaint, officers later observed Zver walking through the Boyer's parking lot. Police said he appeared highly intoxicated, with an unsteady gait, and ignored repeated verbal commands to stop.
As officers attempted to take him into custody, Zver allegedly ran into a shopping cart, fell to the ground, and continued to resist. Police deployed a Taser after he allegedly refused commands and continued resisting. Officers reported the Taser was effective, allowing them to take him into custody without further incident.
Because of his apparent intoxication, EMS personnel were called to evaluate him. Police said Zver was unable to stand on his own and had to be placed on a stretcher for transport to St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital in Coaldale.
According to the affidavit, while medical staff attempted to assist him at the hospital, Zver remained combative. Police allege he suddenly head-butted an officer in the face, causing a laceration to the inside of the officer's upper lip. Officers then restrained him to the hospital bed to prevent further assaults.
Police said they later canvassed the neighborhood and located a witness who positively identified Zver as the individual seen breaking a window and loitering in the area while intoxicated.
The affidavit further states that after being transported to a holding cell, Zver continued attempting to fight police officers.
Zver was arraigned before on-call Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli, who set bail at $75,000 monetary. Unable to post bail, he was committed to Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 21 before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.