Charges filed following reported Canton break-in, fight
State police arrested two Canton Township men Wednesday and obtained an arrest warrant for a third Canton man stemming from a reported break-in and fight at a home in the township last month.
Joshua J. Shrader, 27, of 124 Charles St., was arraigned before District Judge David Mark on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment for his alleged role in assaulting Gregory W. Rhodes Sr., 48, of 31 Griffith Ave., June 11 at Shrader’s home. Police obtained a warrant on the same charges for Shrader’s brother, Justin Leroy Shrader, 29, also of 124 Charles.
Rhodes was arraigned before Mark on charges of burglary, criminal trespass, driving under the influence of alcohol and harassment.
Police were called to Shrader’s home for a report of a fight in the street. When Cpl. Mark Bardzil arrived, he said he saw Joshua Shrader had Rhodes pinned down and was hitting him. When Shrader got up and approached the corporal, Bardzil used his Taser on the 27-year-old. Justin Shrader allegedly was kicking Rhodes when police arrived. Police said part of the assault on the 48-year-old was caught on the dashcam inside the cruiser.
Police learned Rhodes reportedly drove to the Charles Street home to confront Justin Shrader about his operation of his motorcycle near Rhodes’ home. Rhodes allegedly forced his way into the Shrader home while aiming a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol. He started screaming and then began to fight with Justin Shrader. Joshua Shrader also joined in the confrontation, police said, and forced Rhodes outside.
Rhodes’ 18-year-old son, Gregory Rhodes Jr., learned his father was being beaten up and went to the house. He reportedly tried to break his father free so he could leave but was subdued by the two brothers, police said.
The elder Rhodes was taken to Washington Hospital for treatment. Blood tests also were done, and police said it was determined he was under the influence of alcohol and had hydrocodone in his system. Police learned Rhodes’ 14-year-old son reportedly drove his father’s truck back to his home.
Police recovered the gun.
Joshua Shrader was released from Washington County jail after posting $5,000 bond. Rhodes is free on $25,000 unsecured bond.