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From Staff Reports
McALISTERVILLE -- A Mifflintown man was arrested Tuesday after police said he broke into an Amish schoolhouse, attempted to hold a teacher hostage, then fled on foot.
Louie Jay Swarey, 48, was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Richard Gibney Tuesday evening on charges of burglary, false imprisonment and criminal mischief.
According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, Pennsylvania State Police at Lewistown were called to the area of Cuba Mills Road, Fayette Township, for the complaint of a threat.
Police were advised that Swarey had a history of mental health complications and that he was observed leaving the schoolhouse with something in hand when he fled on foot.
The affidavit says Swarey told the teacher she was not to leave the schoolhouse without his authorization. The victim said she was unable to leave because of Swarey's close proximity to her. Police said Swarey did not have any known relation to students who attended the school.
The victim explained she was waiting for a driver to travel to the schoolhouse to retrieve her and that Swarey was waiting with her for the driver, then when the driver arrived went through the main entrance to speak with the driver.
The report says the victim used this as an opportunity to leave the schoolhouse from a different exit, quickly entering a vehicle and fleeing the scene.
Police said Swarey then re-entered the schoolhouse and damaged about $100 in equipment, student artwork and other stationary materials.
Police, who detained Swarey at his nearby home, said he admitted to entering the schoolhouse to speak with the victim and would not allow her to leave because he was worried about her safety.
Swarey also allegedly told police he was not eating well and was having a difficult time living at home due to his family vacating the residence and losing employment.
Swarey said he had also stopped taking his medication against medical advice.
Swarey was held in Mifflin County Correctional Facility on $20,000 bail. He is awaiting a preliminary hearing set for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 20.