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Reading Man Brandished Gun at Driver of Vehicle on I-78: Police

A 23-year-old Reading man is accused of brandishing a firearm in a threatening manner at another Reading man who was traveling in a different vehicle on I-78 west in Lower Saucon Township.

A 23-year-old Reading man is accused of brandishing a firearm in a threatening manner at another Reading man who was traveling in a different vehicle on I-78 west in Lower Saucon Township.

Pennsylvania State Police at Belfast detailed the alleged incident in a news release Tuesday, in which they said Drew-Shakur Matthew Straker was traveling in a commercial passenger van when he allegedly displayed the gun at the other driver.

According to the news release, the incident happened around 7:17 p.m. on April 8 near mile marker 67.

Police said Straker was arrested and charged as a result of the incident. The case docket filed in Northampton County District Court 03-2-04 indicated that Straker is facing the following charges:

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Firearms Not to Be Carried Without a License (Felony 3)
Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor 3)
Simple Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
Terroristic Threats (Misdemeanor 1)
Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana (Misdemeanor)

According to the docket, Straker was committed to Northampton County Prison in Easton in lieu of $30,000 bail following a preliminary arraignment April 9 before Judge Nicholas Englesson.

He was released on $30,000 bail posted by a professional bondsman the following day, court records showed.

Court papers did not list an attorney for Straker.

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Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using information from Pennsylvania State Police at Dublin and Northampton County court records.

Author
Josh Popichak

Josh Popichak is a veteran local journalist with an extensive background in print and digital news. A Bethlehem native, he has a Bachelor’s degree in history and has maintained a lifelong affinity for the subject. He founded Saucon Source to fill a need for independent local journalism, which has thrived with the support of an engaged, enthusiastic readership. He thanks the community, whose continued support makes this site possible.

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