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Nesquehoning man assaulted officers during drug raid

Nesquehoning police arrested a man and a woman on drug charges after a raid on Friday.

Kristopher Dunbar, 42, and Kelly Sue Smith, 45, are facing felony drug dealing charges for allegedly selling methamphetamine from their home at 223 West High St.

Dunbar was also charged with three counts of felony aggravated assault after he allegedly struck officers who were trying to take him into custody

Police reportedly seized 5 grams of methamphetamine, 3.7 grams of marijuana and .49 grams of suspected cocaine, as well as drug paraphernalia.

Nesquehoning Police Department said the arrests came after they investigated alleged drug dealing from Dunbar and Smith’s home over several months starting in late 2017. They executed a search warrant at Dunbar and Smith’s home at 9:19 a.m. Friday with assistance from Lansford Police Department, Jim Thorpe Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police.

According to court documents, police found Dunbar and Smith sleeping in a third-floor bedroom. Officers said Dunbar refused to follow orders and they had to use substantial force to arrest him. Dunbar allegedly punched, kicked and fought with officers, striking three of them. At least one officer was injured in the melee.

Police said that Smith also attempted to prevent officers from arresting Dunbar.

He was eventually arrested and taken for medical treatment by Lehighton Ambulance, then released.

An officer interviewed Smith, and she alerted them to the drugs.

Smith said the drugs belonged to her and she sold them. She said Dunbar was a drug user, but did not sell them.

Smith and Dunbar were both charged with drug possession with intent to distribute and related charges. Dunbar was also charged with aggravated assault for striking the officers.

They were both sent to Carbon County Correctional Facility. Bail was set at $100,000 for Dunbar and $50,000 for Smith.

Nesquehoning Police arrested a man and a woman on drug charges. CHRIS REBER/TIMES NEWS