CLEARFIELD – A Hyde man accused of threatening to “blast” a CO2 personal defense shotgun and resisting police when they responded to a domestic dispute waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during Centralized Court at the Clearfield County Jail.
Ernest Howard Ricketts Jr., 24, of Hyde has been charged with aggravated assault; simple assault; terroristic threats; resisting arrest; disorderly conduct; and harassment. His bail was set at $10,000 monetary, which he’s posted.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Lawrence Township police received a report about an alleged domestic dispute in progress on Feb. 14 in Hyde. County Control advised police that the alleged victim and Ricketts had shoved each other, but the dispute was verbal in nature. Police were additionally advised that Ricketts was in possession of a “non-lethal gun thingy,” and there was a young child in the home.
Upon arrival the alleged victim told Officer Levi Olson that she and Ricketts had shoved each other, and it was now “just an argument that was getting ridiculous.” At that point, Olson heard Ricketts yelling; when the defendant stepped into view, Olson allegedly saw him with a CO2 personal defense shotgun. Olson allegedly observed Ricketts close the CO2 compartment and yell, “I’m going into the bedroom! Anyone comes in is getting blasted!”
Oleson followed Ricketts and ordered him to put down the weapon multiple times. Ricketts allegedly refused upon every order. Upon entering the bedroom, Olson ordered Ricketts to put down the weapon, which was pointed at him; however, the defendant allegedly refused to again.
Olson proceeded to knock the weapon from Ricketts’ hands. As it fell, Ricketts allegedly attempted to grab Olson’s coat; Olson was able to force Ricketts to the ground despite his resistance. After another officer arrived at the scene, they were able to place Ricketts in handcuffs despite his continued resistance. At the same time additional officers arrived from Clearfield Borough police, Ricketts allegedly managed to slip his handcuffs under his feet and in front of him.
Ricketts allegedly continued to resist police who subsequently placed a second set of cuffs on his ankles. Ricketts was allegedly carried from the home and placed inside a police vehicle.
When police interviewed the alleged victim, she again related she and Ricketts had shoved each other. She also said that he’d thrown a punch near her head. When asked by police, the alleged victim said Ricketts had been drinking Jagermeister; she wasn’t aware if he had consumed any other substances.