Man arrested after allegedly brandishing gun at two elderly women in Public Square
SCRANTON, PA – A red, doorless Jeep idled in Public Square as two elderly women told officers they had been frightened when a man inside pointed a firearm at them with his finger on the trigger, witnesses said Saturday.
City patrol officers were summoned just before noon after multiple people reported that a male in a red Jeep had brandished a handgun in the downtown square. Victim #1, a 67-year-old woman from Hanover Township, told officers the defendant pointed the gun at her while she walked on East Market Street. Victim #2, a 68-year-old woman from Larksville, reported she saw the same man point the firearm at her while standing near South Main Street and Public Square. Witnesses provided cellphone video to officers, who used those recordings and on-scene accounts during their response.
Officers located the vehicle and took 52-year-old Michael Kolarik of Scranton into custody without reported incident. Kolarik was transported to City Headquarters for processing and arraignment on terroristic threats charges tied to the incidents in the square. Police recovered video evidence and interviewed several witnesses at the scene as part of the investigation.
No firearm ownership or prior criminal history was released in the initial report. Detectives continue to review video and witness statements to determine whether additional charges will be filed.
Anyone with further information or additional video footage is asked to contact the Scranton Police Department. If this is an emergency, call 911; for non-emergency tips, contact the Scranton Police non-emergency line.
Key Points
- Michael Kolarik, 52, was arrested after two women reported he pointed a firearm at them in Public Square
- Victims are a 67-year-old woman from Hanover Township and a 68-year-old woman from Larksville; witnesses provided cellphone footage
- Kolarik was taken to City Headquarters for processing on terroristic threats charges
