SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A Scranton man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he forced his way into a home, assaulted a man and kidnapped a woman and her 3-year-old daughter.
According to the Scranton Police Department, officers responded to the 1300 block of Penn Avenue on June 27 for a report of an assault and possible kidnapping.
Investigators allege James Melia unlawfully entered a residence during the early morning hours, assaulted an adult male occupant and threatened to kill him unless a woman and her young daughter accompanied him.
Police said the woman told investigators Melia prevented her from leaving the residence until she agreed to go with him. Authorities allege Melia then transported the woman and her 3-year-old daughter against the woman’s wishes before dropping them off at a residence in Dickson City, where both were later found safe.
A coordinated response involving the Scranton Police Department, Dickson City Police Department and assisting agencies established a perimeter, and a police K-9 tracked Melia, leading to his arrest, according to police.
Melia has been charged with burglary, kidnapping, terroristic threats, simple assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, robbery, criminal trespass, criminal mischief and related offenses.
He was arraigned and remanded to the Lackawanna County Prison pending further court proceedings.