An Effort man has been charged after threatening to lock his parents in the basement of their home in Chestnuthill Township.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by trooper Christopher Gaetano of the Pennsylvania State Police Fern Ridge barracks in the case against Benjamin Haushalter:

At 8 p.m. Tuesday, the victims, a 61-year-old female and a 66-year-old male, stated that their son, Haushalter, 32, was holding a statue of the Virgin Mary and tossing it in the air.

He followed the victims through the house, preventing them from leaving, and stated, “I am going to lock you in the basement.”

Both victims attempted multiple times to get away from Haushalter, but he continued to follow them and make threats.

At 9:55 a.m. Wednesday, the victims stated that Haushalter came into the living room saying that he wanted to kill himself.

Haushalter, who had smoked marijuana prior to this, went outside and destroyed multiple plants, plant pots, and tree roots causing about $500 in damage.

Haushalter’s father contacted 911 requesting the police presence. Troopers Robert Russell and Gaetano arrived at the home and made contact with Haushalter outside the residence.

Haushalter was walking in the roadway, crossing the street to damage other property, and continued to damage the victims’ property while troopers were on scene.

Troopers advised Haushalter that he was to be admitted for mental health evaluation for making threats to harm himself and his family.

Haushalter responded, “No ... I’m not going to the hospital or to jail.”

Haushalter, who was smoking a cigarette, threw the cigarette on the ground and took a defensive fighting position, at which time Gaetano and Russell attempted to put him in handcuffs, but he resisted.

Haushalter swung his arms and fists in an attempt to punch troopers multiple times. He then grabbed at Gaetano’s gun belt attempting to disarm the tools on his belt to include the department-issued firearm, Oleoresin Capsicum spray (mace), asp baton, and Taser.

Haushalter was eventually placed into custody and continued making statements he wasn’t going to the hospital or to jail.

Haushalter faces charges on two counts each of terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another; simple assault; false imprisonment; and harassment; and one count each of disorderly conduct; criminal mischief, public drunkenness and similar misconduct; obstruction of justice; disarming law enforcement officer - without lawful authorization; possessing instrument of crime with intent; and resisting arrest.

He is currently incarcerated in the Monroe County Prison in lieu of $15,000 monetary bail, and scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Dec. 23 before District Judge Colleen Mancuso of Brodheadsville.