State police used a Taser to subdue a sword-wielding man after being called to his eastern Berks County home by his wife, who reported he threatened “suicide by cop,” officials said.
Steven L. Schoenauer, 53, was taken into custody and transported to Reading Hospital for an evaluation following the incident Tuesday morning in the first block of Grouse Hill Road, Hereford Township.
He was committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail to await a hearing following arraignment Tuesday night before District Judge Carissa L. Johnson in Reading Central Court.
Schoenauer was charged with two counts each of aggravated and simple assault and reckless endangerment along with weapons offenses.
According to troopers:
Schoenauer’s wife called 911 about 8:30 a.m., reporting that her husband was threatening so-called suicide by cop and was armed with a sword.
Nine troopers arrived while a Bally Ambulance staged nearby.
Schoenauer’s wife said he was inside and armed.
Troopers started up the driveway and heard a man scream. They encountered Schoenauer pacing on the porch and holding what appeared to be a 28-inch Samurai-style sword.
They repeatedly ordered Schoenauer to put the sword down and come off the porch with his hands raised.
Schoenauer threatened troopers, saying, “I will end you” and “Come here I’ll show you,” then started swinging the weapon, lunging at two of the troopers.
One of the troopers got within 15 feet of Schoenauer and deployed his state-issued Taser, incapacitating him.
Troopers handcuffed him as he resisted.
Police found a loaded shotgun and a loaded rifle on the porch. Schoenauer is prohibited from having firearms due to a 1993 conviction in Colorado on felony assault and weapons charges.
Help is available
Crisis Intervention Hotline
Phone: 610-379-2007 or toll free 1-888-219-3910
Text: 484-816-7865 (RUOK)
