Chief Markle, of Brookville Borough Police Department, told exploreJeffersonPA.com that the heavy police activity in Brookville was a standoff that started Sunday afternoon.
“It was a standoff outside the borough,” Chief Markle explained.
Chief Markle said that the situation began in Brookville Borough around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday and then continued Monday morning at a residence outside of the Borough.
“Everyone is safe and the scene is clear.
The State Police SERT (Special Emergency Response Team) came in and got the man out of the residence.”
“The man made threats to harm himself,” Chief Markle said.
He added that the man ended up going to a residence in the evening that was in Pennsylvania State Police coverage area, just on the border of Brookville Borough.
The situation was cleared around 7:30 a.m.
“The man is now in state police custody, and everyone is safe.”
The man has been identified as John Wayne Kunselman, 49, of Brookville.
Trooper Mactavish filed the following charges against Kunselman on Monday morning:
- Terroristic Threats with Intent To Terrorize Another, Felony 3
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2
- Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
- Criminal Trespass/Simple Trespasser, Summary
Kunselman is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
Chief Markle also clarified that it was not a hostage situation despite erroneous published reports by an out of town news source.
Portions of State Route 28 and U.S. Route 322 were closed as a result of the incident, according to Jefferson County Department of Emergency Services.
No one was injured in the incident and both roadways are now open.