Scranton man charged with gun threat during rally on Public Square

WILKES-BARRE — A Scranton man was charged with brandishing a firearm at attendees of the No Kings protest on Public Square on Saturday.

Michael Paul Kolarik, 52, of Fourth Avenue, was operating a Jeep with no doors driving around Public Square during the protest when he displayed a firearm just before 12 p.m., according to court records.

As Kolarik approached Public Square and West Market Street, court records say, a city police officer observed him place a firearm in the center console.

Kolarik stopped on Public Square and consented to a search of his vehicle, court records say.

Police in court records say they found a two semiautomatic handguns during the search.

One firearm was in the center console of the Jeep and another firearm was in its holster in Kolarik’s waistband, court records say.

Both firearms had a live round in the chambers with loaded magazines.

Police in court records say Kolarik possessed a valid license to carry a concealed firearm.

As officers spoke with Kolarik, court records say, several people alleged he aimed a firearm at them.

Kolarik was arraigned by District Judge David Barilla of Forty Fort on charges of terroristic threats, reckless endangerment, simple assault and disorderly conduct. Kolarik was released Sunday after posting $50,000 bail.