A Jim Thorpe man was charged with assaulting a Tamaqua police officer on April 6.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Patrolman Corey Herring, officers were dispatched to 330 E. Broad St. around 9:50 p.m. for a report of a man performing martial arts in the roadway and attempting to open car doors.

Upon arrival, police located Andrea Mazzella, 53, who appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. He was sweating profusely and talking nonsensically, police allege. He refused to follow police orders and attempted to flee several times.

When Officer Ray Tonkinson approached, police said Mazzella struggled with him. He was taken into custody and admitted to using methamphetamine and marijuana.

As he was being transported to the police department, police said he struck Herring and kicked him in the groin. Herring experienced pain for several hours.

Mazzella was arraigned by video by Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua, on charges of aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. He was taken to Schuylkill County prison.

Bayer set bail at $50,000 cash.