Defendant held for court on kidnapping charge
FRACKVILLE - A Mount Carmel man charged with kidnapping and assaulting his estranged wife last month had charges against him held to court during a preliminary hearing Wednesday.
After hearing testimony, Senior Magisterial District Judge Elizabeth Romig held charges of aggravated assault, kidnapping, burglary, criminal trespass, terroristic threats, stalking, unlawful restraint, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief and harassment against Kyle C. Kent, 31, to Schuylkill County Court.
Kent, 431 N. Walnut St., was then returned to Schuylkill County Prison, where he is being held on $75,000 straight cash bail since his arrest Sept. 19.
Michael Stine, chief county public defender, argued on behalf of Kent while Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Elo presented the commonwealth's case.
State police Trooper John Powis of the Frackville station said that between 6 and 11 p.m. Sept. 18, Kent broke into the house at 334 E. Mahanoy Ave., Girardville, where Melissa Kent was staying.
Once inside the house, Kyle Kent started punching Melissa Kent and then dragged her from the residence.
Powis said Kyle Kent forced Melissa Kent to enter his sport-utility vehicle, a Ford Explorer Sport, and drove away, adding that during the drive, he hit her with his fist and elbow.
Kyle Kent then drove Melissa Kent around Girardville and to the Aristes area, Powis said.
While in Aristes, Powis said Kyle Kent tried to turn onto a dirt road at which time his wife jumped out of the moving SUV.
Powis said Kyle Kent chased the woman, caught her and slammed her head off the road several times before forcing her back into the SUV.
Although he threatened to kill her and then himself, Kyle Kent eventually drove Melissa Kent to his mother's residence in Mount Carmel, Powis said.
Kyle Kent's mother, Mary O'Donnell, gave Melissa Kent a bath and new clothes, and eventually drove her to Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Coal Township, the trooper said.
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