SHAMOKIN - A Coal Township man, who allegedly armed himself with a shotgun last month when county adult probation officers came to his door with an arrest warrant for another person, was held for court Tuesday on charges of aggravated assault and simple assault.
Michael D. Bramhall, 53, of 1119 W. Arch St., was held for court on the charges during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.
Bramhall was ordered to appear for plea court Feb. 13 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, at which time he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.
Bramhall, who is free on unsecured bail, was represented by Attorney Gregory Stuck. Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey prosecuted the case.
The defendant was charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with threatening probation officers while holding a shotgun Nov. 16 at his residence, an incident that created tense moments for police and bystanders.
According to a criminal complaint, Brennan said police were called to assist Northumberland County probation officers with a man armed with a gun inside his home. Upon arrival, officers spoke with probation officer Dan Shoop, who said he and officers Matthew Narcavage and Christopher Kemble went to Bramhall's residence to speak with him about a female for whom they had an active warrant.
The probation officers went to the front door and identified themselves, but Bramhall said the door didn't open so they should meet him at the back door. After advising Bramhall that they were looking for the female and had a warrant, he asked to see the paperwork. He was told they didn't have the actual warrant in hand, but would get it.
The officers obtained a copy of the warrant and returned to Bramhall's back door. When he answered, police said he stood in the doorway holding a shotgun by its barrel with the butt of the gun on the floor. Officers told Bramhall they simply wanted to talk to him about the female and her whereabouts.
As they approached Bramhall, he allegedly told them, "come on in and see what happens," and began to thump the butt of the gun on the floor. The probation officers retreated and called police.
Police from Coal Township and several neighboring departments responded. Some officers were seen holding shotguns and another had a riot shield. Brennan said once a Coal Township police officer approached the door, Bramhall was very cooperative. He said the scene was under control within 30 minutes.