Tamaqua man charged for making false reports

A Tamaqua man, who changed his story about an alleged assault, has been charged by police.

Tyrell James Rucker, 24, of 12 S. Greenwood St., called police at 11:05 p.m. on May 26 to report a stabbing. When an officer arrived he noticed a small amount of blood and a laceration on Rucker's left bicep.

Rucker told the officer he went for a walk after an argument with his girlfriend and was attacked by a drunk male near the Boyer's Food Mart building. The drunk reportedly said unkind things about Rucker's girlfriend, then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the arm.

As Rucker was being transported to the hospital officers spoke with his girlfriend. A red and silver handled knife, with blood on the blade, was found in the kitchen. It was confiscated as possible evidence.

Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Rucker was asked again about what happened. This time he said he was challenged by a male and a female while he was at the Willing Memorial Park, behind Boyer's. The man attacked him for supposedly "hitting" on the woman. When told about the bloody knife in his kitchen he explained that away as having been used for cutting up some chicken. He filled out a statement form.

Officers then checked the security camera footage from the time in question and found no unknown male, no unknown female and no Rucker on the tape.

Citations for making a false report and for making a written false statement were issued.