CLEARFIELD – The case for a DuBois man who was allegedly involved in a police stand-off was in motions court Thursday before Clearfield County Judge Fredric Ammerman.
Gregg Matthew Luttman, 32, of DuBois, was charged by Sandy Township police in July with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, harassment and disorderly conduct. Luttman was incarcerated on those charges in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Luttman, who participated via video conference, asked Ammerman to consider reducing his bail, so that he could care for his father after the recent passing of his mother. He said it would also give him the chance to get mental health treatment.
Luttman told the judge that he regretted his actions that resulted in his current incarceration. Ammerman indicated to Luttman that his actions must have been pretty alarming to the district judge for him to set bail at $50,000.
Assistant District Attorney Ryan Dobo advised Ammerman that Luttman’s actions created “an almost hostage situation” in DuBois, and the commonwealth opposed a reduction in bail. Dobo further noted that Luttman’s actions also resulted in roadways being shut down.
Ammerman then requested to review the affidavit of probable cause for the case.
Afterward, Ammerman denied Luttman’s motion for a bail reduction. He said it was clear Luttman suffered from mental health issues. Ammerman believed that Luttman remained a danger to not only the public, but also to himself.
According to the affidavit, on July 10, Sandy Township police responded to check the welfare of Luttman, who had just been released from a mental health treatment facility. He had also allegedly commented that he may harm himself.
Police made contact with Luttman outside of his residence, where he allegedly swung a 15-inch pry bar at them. He also allegedly struck a bell on his porch, which caused it to fly through the air in the direction of police.
Luttman allegedly told police that they would have to kill him. When he re-entered his residence, Luttman allegedly commented to police that he would kill anyone who came inside.
According to the affidavit, Luttman allegedly appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. His demeanor was allegedly highly irrational, erratic and threatening toward police and the general public. Police were also concerned that Luttman had access to a long rifle that may still be within the residence, the affidavit states.
Police made contact with Luttman to ask him to come out of the residence. He allegedly refused, saying that the police would have to come inside and shoot him.
Police were subsequently forced to establish a perimeter around Luttman’s residence. Police also evacuated nearby residences and the street was shut down. Additional police personnel and a special emergency response team were summoned to the scene, along with fire and emergency personnel to be on stand-by.
During the more than four-hour stand-off, Luttman allegedly opened the front window several times. At one point, he allegedly appeared on the back deck and demanded cigarettes and heroin. Police allegedly asked Luttman again to come outside; however, he refused to do so.
According to the affidavit, police requested and obtained an involuntary emergency examination and treatment warrant based upon Luttman’s actions and observations by family members. At 2:43 p.m., police entered the residence, and Luttman was taken into custody without further incident.