ST. MARYS — Ridgway-based state police troopers found themselves in dangerous situations recently as four troopers were assaulted while responding to a vehicle crash and another four troopers were threatened by a man in possession of a shotgun.

In total, five people have been charged as a result of the incidents.

David Anthony Sarantoulias, 20, of Kersey, and Treavus Mitchael Seawright, 18, of Kersey, and two juveniles were charged after a Dec. 9 incident in which the four individuals allegedly assaulted four troopers responding to a vehicle crash.

James Thomas Barnum of Weedville was charged after allegedly threatening troopers and later having a standoff with troopers while in possession of a shotgun.

Affidavits of probable cause outlining the charges were obtained from the office of Magisterial District Judge Mark S. Jacob.

An affidavit for Barnum stated that troopers were called to 837 Cleveland St. in Weedville at 4:50 p.m. Nov. 23 for a report that Barnum was in his pick-up truck with a shotgun and was suicidal.

In the affidavit, multiple troopers recall seeing Barnum drive his truck towards troopers before going in reverse and going out of sight.

At some point during the investigation, troopers talked with Barnum, who allegedly said, “I’m going to die tonight if you guys do your job and shoot me or I will kill you.”

He reportedly also said, “if you don’t kill me, then I will kill you.”

The affidavit said Barnum drove his vehicle close to troopers on two more occasions, leaving his vehicle the second time to yell obscenities towards troopers and to throw a beer bottle at them. Barnum then tried to drive his vehicle close to troopers one more time but ran over spike strips that troopers had deployed in the driveway.

Barnum then left the vehicle and made it appear as though he was removing a weapon from his waistband, according to court documents. He reportedly then positioned his fingers like a gun and made shooting gestures towards the troopers.

Court documents said Barnum refused to comply with orders from troopers and continued to shout obscenities before reaching into his truck for a shotgun, which he placed on the roof of the vehicle. Troopers were armed and taking cover behind their patrol car.

The affidavit said when Barnum reached for the shotgun on the roof, troopers were able to hit Barnum’s neck with a taser, which allowed troopers to gain control of him.

Barnum was reportedly transported to Penn Highlands DuBois and committed for a mental health evaluation and commitment.

While at the hospital, Barnum allegedly said to police, “I should have shot you.”

As a result of the incident, Barnum has been charged with a felony charge of aggravated assault; a misdemeanor charge of terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another; a misdemeanor charge of possession of an instrument of crime with intent; a misdemeanor charge of simple assault; and a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.

He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. Jan. 17 before Jacob. Online court documents do not list an attorney for Barnum.

In the other case involving troopers, state police responded to a vehicle crash on Friday where they found five individuals in a car that were exhibiting the signs of intoxication. As troopers began to investigate the incident, Sarantoulias and Seawright allegedly assaulted officers, causing injuries.

The affidavit said four of the occupants fought with four troopers. In the incident, three troopers were injured, with two of them requiring treatment at Penn Highlands Elk in St. Marys.

Sarantoulias and Seawright were charged with a felony charge of aggravated assault; a misdemeanor charge of simple assault; a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest; a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief; and a summary offense of purchase or consumption of an alcoholic beverage by a minor.

Both men were arraigned before Jacob and later confined in Elk County Prison in Ridgway in lieu of $50,000 monetary bail.

Both are scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at noon Dec. 20 before Jacob.

Sarantoulias is being represented by court appointed George N. Daghir, while online court documents do not list an attorney for Seawright.

The Commonwealth is represented in all cases by the Elk County District Attorney’s Office.