Naked man enters Palmerton home and refuses to leave, faces charges

A Palmerton man is in prison after entering another person’s home stark naked.

Stephen Susel, 50, faces charges on one count each of indecent exposure, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Sgt. Christopher Ritter of the borough police department:

At 12:43 a.m. March 24, Ritter was dispatched to the 800 block of Mauch Chunk Road for a complaint of a man walking around the area while naked who entered a private residence.

Ritter was summoned to the front door when the victim yelled for Ritter to hurry because Susel was still in her house.

Ritter entered to find Susel standing in the living room, completely naked and sweating profusely.

Upon seeing Ritter, Susel began to head for the back door despite commands to stop, and he only complied after Ritter drew his Taser and ordered him to the floor.

After being handcuffed and raised to his feet, Susel tensed up and attempted to pull away, causing Ritter to use moderate force to keep him under control.

Susel’s skin was sweaty and hot to the touch, his pupils were dilated, his muscles were rigid, and he spoke in a rapid manner, all indicators of the use of a stimulant drug.

After Susel was secured, Ritter spoke further with the victim, who said Susel walked in her unlocked front door, went to the kitchen, and started knocking things off the countertop and pushing buttons on the microwave while muttering to himself.

The victim ordered Susel repeatedly to leave, however he ignored her commands and continued his actions until his arrival.

Susel is currently incarcerated in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $40,000, 10 percent bail.

He is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday before District Judge William Kissner of Palmerton.