A Scranton man threatened to kill a police officer arresting him after a marijuana purchase, according to a criminal complaint.
At about 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sgt. Jason Gula, patrolling near Wintermantle Avenue in East Mountain, spotted Jamil Harding in the front passenger side of a blue Jeep Cherokee.
According to the complaint:
Gula then saw Harding, 31, on the porch of an East Mountain Road residence where he suspected marijuana was being sold by an individual with a firearm. A short time later, Harding entered the residence, remaining only a few minutes.
As officers watched, Harding, of 635 Elm St., seemed to initially head to the vehicle, but then began walking west on East Mountain Road, wearing a mask.
Officers monitored Harding as he walked north on Meadow Avenue to an area near the liquor store there. He then turned around and walked south on Meadow Avenue toward River Street.
Because Harding was suspected of purchasing marijuana at a residence where it was suspected there was a firearm, officers believed Harding’s behavior was consistent with possession or distribution of narcotics.
Police approached Harding in the parking lot of Gerrity’s supermarket on Meadow Avenue.
Gula told Harding he had been following him and asked him to provide identification, but Harding refused.
Harding then stated, “I’ve been waiting for something like this to happen to me.”
When asked what he meant, Harding threatened to shoot Gula.
Harding is charged with disorderly conduct, harassment and making terroristic threats.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 5 before District Judge Sean McGraw.