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WILKES-BARRE — A deadlocked jury forced a mistrial Wednesday in the case of an Edwardsville man accused of threatening to kill a police officer.
Fred Polisky, 69, will once again face a misdemeanor count of terroristic threats when the matter is called before Luzerne County Judge Tina Polachek Gartley some time in April, court papers indicate.
Polisky remains free on bail.
According to court documents, jurors began deliberations Tuesday afternoon and delivered their deadlocked verdict at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Polisky is accused of threatening the life of Edwardsville police Officer Michael Lehman while speaking at a borough council meeting in April.
Court papers say the man was speaking about a cease and desist request he had received in reference to the harassment of several borough officers.
Edwardsville police say Polisky made derogatory comments about Lehman during his address, referring to him as a crook and a liar as he addressed the council. He then stated that he would kill Lehman if the officer ever stepped onto his property.
A criminal complaint says Polisky restated, “I will kill him.”
The arresting officer said in the complaint that he then asked Polisky to step outside and told the man he cannot make threatening statements toward police officers or anyone else.
The officer said he asked if Polisky’s threats toward Lehman were “a promise or a threat.” Polisky allegedly responded that he promised to kill Lehman.
Court records indicate prosecutors withdrew charges of harassment, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct against Polisky in May 2008 after he was arrested for allegedly punching Edwardsville officer Ian Byczek during an incident on Zerby Avenue in May 2007.