SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Schuylkill Haven borough police have charged a 30-year-old Penn State Schuylkill student in connection with an incident at a borough home about 6 a.m. Saturday.
Sgt. Robert Phillips said James D. Miller, 10 E. Main St., was charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of drug paraphernalia, all misdemeanor offenses, and a summary charge of harassment. Phillips said Miller will receive a summons in the mail and have to answer the charges before Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg.
Phillips said he learned of the incident when Jason Griffiths, 22 E. Liberty St., reported having problems with Miller whom he said he allowed to live with him while Miller was attending Penn State.
Griffiths reported he found drug paraphernalia including pipes and straws with residue and a plastic bag with white powder in Miller's bedroom and confronted him after Miller came home about 5 a.m.
Griffiths told Phillips that he has no tolerance for drugs and decided to discuss the matter with Miller, the sergeant said.
Griffiths said that when he confronted Miller the man became enraged and attacked him, causing a bloody lip and also placed him in a choke hold, squeezing so hard he almost lost consciousness.
Phillips said that after the attack, Miller grabbed his laptop computer and some clothing, exited the building and was seen leaving the area in a small silver sport utility vehicle.
Phillips said the items found inside the home were turned over by Griffiths and will be sent to a state police crime laboratory for analysis.
