Sligo Teen Accused of Threatening Woman with Aerosol Body Spray Fire, Shoe

powell-mugSLIGO, Pa. (EYT) – New Bethlehem Police have filed felony charges against a Sligo teen following a September 25 incident on Front Street.

On September 26, New Bethlehem Borough Police Officer Kiefer received a report of an incident involving possible bodily injury and terroristic threats.

A criminal complaint filed Tuesday by Officer Kiefer indicates that a female victim told police Jacob Stephen Powell, 19, of Sligo, retrieved a knife from a nearby residence and “motioned the knife across his own throat.”

Powell then allegedly threatened the victim by taking an aerosol spray can and igniting the spray with a lighter, causing fire to propel from the can. The aerosol spray was lit three times. The column of fire passed the victim at “close interval, not causing injury, but resulting in the victim to fear for her own safety and the safety of her 16 year-old son.”

The defendant allegedly continued threats of injury by throwing a shoe and a cellular telephone at the victim, according to the criminal complaint.

Powell was taken into custody by New Bethlehem Borough Police the following day. While being escorted to the police vehicle, Powell attempted to flee; however, he fell in front of the residence while running from the police.

He was placed in the police vehicle and later transported to the Clarion County Jail.

The following charges were filed against Powell at Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller’s office:

  • Criminal Attempt – Aggravated Assault, Felony 1
  • Terroristic Threats w/ Intent To Terrorize Another, Misdemeanor 1
  • Endangering Welfare of Children – Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Misdemeanor 1
  • Resist Arrest/Other Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor 2

Bail was set at $5,000 monetary.

A preliminary hearing is set for October 4 before Judge Miller.


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