A Tamaqua man pointed a long barrel rifle at youths gathered at the Middle Ward Playground at 5:15 p.m. April 19, Tamaqua police said.

The youths said Matthew Truskey, 40, also threatened them.

According to police, officers were dispatched to the playground for a report of an armed person. Police spoke to a group of youths who said a man, later identified as Truskey, came out of a nearby home and drew a long barrel rifle, possibly an AR-15. The youths said Truskey pointed the rifle in their direction, and waved it around saying, “I’m (expletive) done with you retards.” Police said Truskey then put the rifle in a vehicle and drove away.

Officers spoke to a neighbor who said she saw Truskey leave the house with a gun.

Police could not immediately find Truskey so they left a voice message for him.

The next morning, Truskey provided a written statement saying that he saw the juveniles fighting near his home. He told police that he pulled out his rifle and placed it in to a low ready position. Police said he did so because he feared for the safety of himself and his neighbors.

• A 13 year-old Tamaqua girl will be charged in juvenile court for assaulting another girl at the North Ward Playground at 6 p.m. April 25, borough police said.

According to police, officers spoke to the 13 year-old who claimed another 13 year-old used pepper spray on her and went home.

Police spoke to the other girl at her home and learned that the 13 year-old who reported the incident was lying. Police said she “jumped” the other girl from behind, bit her arm and continued to beat her up until the girl was able to escape and run home. Police noticed marks from the assault on the girl.

The girl will be charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

• Tamaqua police charged a borough man with providing false information and driving without a license and insurance following a 5:30 p.m. traffic stop on May 11.

Police said they were monitoring traffic on Route 309 and saw a black sedan with heavily tinted windows pass by. Officers stopped the vehicle and asked the driver, later identified as Tahleek Paden, 30, for his license.

Paden said he did not have a license in his possession and provided officers with a fake name. Officers unsuccessfully attempted to locate the license using the name and birth date provided by Paden. Asked again, he provided the same fake name and a different birth date. Police then attempted a live scan, which showed no results. After a half-hour, Paden provided a Social Security number that revealed his real name.

He later admitted to police that he lied about his name because he did not have a driver’s license.

The vehicle was towed because of an expired temporary tag and no insurance.