Man Threatens Wife With Gun in Home, Police Say

A Bethlehem Township man who had just signed spousal separation papers from his wife threatened her with a handgun early Friday, according to court papers.

Jamie Smith, 43, was arrested at a little after midnight following a dramatic scene during which township police placed the wife and their 4-year-old daughter in a police vehicle “for their safety,” according to the arrest affidavit.

Smith then left the house on his own and was placed into custody outside, police said. The drama played out on the 3200 block of Wilson Avenue, which is just east of Freemansburg borough.

According to the affidavit, Smith followed his wife into the family room right after he signed the papers, which grant her primary custody of the daughter so they can move to Florida.

Then, the affidavit said:

Smith grabbed his wife’s arm and tried to take the papers out of her hand. When it looked as though he was going to do it again, she screamed “help” and Smith backed off.

She told Smith she would call police if he didn’t leave. Smith went upstairs and his wife called 911. While she was on the call, Smith came back downstairs and lifted up his shirt to reveal a handgun in his waistband. Smith started to reach for the gun and his wife told the emergency operator. Smith again backed off and went upstairs.

Smith was charged with terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment. He was arraigned before on-duty District Judge David Tidd and committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.