Man with gun charged with kidnapping, threats

A Tamaqua man has been charged with terroristic threats after he held a woman against her will inside a residence.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by patrolman Corey Herring of the Tamaqua Police Department:

On Jan. 31, Herring was dispatched to S. Nescopec Street for a report a man with a gun making threats.

Herring said John Jasinsky, 52, was on the front porch.

Jasinsky said that he and his wife got into an altercation and she had gone to a friend’s house.

Herring was able to locate the victim on Bowe Street. She said Jasinsky held her against her will inside the residence.

The victim said that Jasinsky recklessly pointed the gun at himself and in her direction, stating the gun was “half-cocked,” scaring her.

The victim also said that Jasinsky made threats of harming himself and also to murder her friend with the perceived intention of terrorizing her.

Jasinsky eventually put the gun down and the victim attempted to flee, but Jasinsky tackled her to the ground.

The victim said Jasinsky again pointed the gun at her, demanding that she sit down.

She complied with Jasinsky’s demands and was told she could leave the residence.

When she did attempt to leave, Jasinsky chased after her, but she was able to get away and call 911.

Herring contacted Schuylkill County Crisis and an involuntary mental commitment warrant was obtained for Jasinsky.

Jasinsky was taken into custody on that warrant, and transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital by police.

The gun, a Taurus Judge revolver, was placed into evidence.

Jasinsky faces charges of kidnap to inflict injury/terror; terroristic threats; recklessly endangering another person; simple assault; and harassment.

He is incarcerated in the Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $25,000 monetary bail, and is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing March 10 before District Judge Stephen J. Bayer of Tamaqua.