Police: New Kensington man threatened woman with gun, ran from police

New Kensington police arrested a man after a Tuesday morning foot chase who allegedly threatened a woman with a gun.

District Judge Frank Pallone Jr. ordered Malachi Supreme Hayes, 23, held without bail in the Westmoreland County Prison to ensure his appearance at a preliminary hearing and because he is a danger, according to court records.

Hayes told them he is homeless, police said.

About 10 a.m., New Kensington police went to Valley Royal Court in response to a woman reporting that Hayes had threatened her with a gun, according to a criminal complaint.

The woman told police she and Hayes were arguing over her coming near an apartment and speaking with someone who lives there.

The woman told police Hayes was holding a black gun when he told her not come near the apartment “or I’ll smoke you.”

The woman told police Hayes ran to and entered that apartment.

When they went to the apartment, police said several small children answered the door, and a girl told them Hayes was not there. The girl was on the phone with a woman who lives in the apartment, who also told police Hayes was not there.

Police established a perimeter where they could see the front and rear doors of the apartment. Hayes was seen leaving the apartment around 10:45 a.m.

Police said Hayes ignored commands to stop and a foot chase ensued. Police said Hayes ran south on Fifth Avenue, turned left at 11th Street and ran east. He was apprehended on train tracks near the post office parking lot.

Police charged Hayes with terroristic threats, simple assault and flight to avoid apprehension. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Nov. 5 before Pallone.