Galeton Man Sought in Armed Domestic Assault Was Sentenced to Probation in Prior Threats Case Last Month
WEST BRANCH TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Galeton man wanted by Pennsylvania State Police after an alleged armed domestic assault in Potter County had been sentenced to probation in a separate terroristic threats case just over a month earlier, according to court records.
Pennsylvania State Police at Coudersport are searching for Joshua Shawn Rudinski, 33, of Galeton, after troopers said he assaulted multiple victims during a domestic dispute involving weapons on Monday, June 22, at 738 Crippen Run Road in West Branch Township.
According to PSP, Rudinski fled the scene armed with a large knife. Troopers were unable to locate him, and a warrant for his arrest was obtained the same day.
A second search was conducted Tuesday, June 23, using a K9. State police said the K9 indicated Rudinski may have been picked up and transported from the area.
Police said Rudinski is believed to be armed. Anyone who encounters him is asked not to approach him and to immediately contact PSP Coudersport at 814-274-8690.
In the new case, PSP said Rudinski is charged with aggravated assault, strangulation, terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, two counts of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and harassment.
Court records show Rudinski was previously charged in a separate December 2025 case out of West Branch Township. That case was filed after a Dec. 1, 2025 incident investigated by Coudersport-based state police.
At the magisterial district court level, Rudinski was held for court on charges including terroristic threats, simple assault, and harassment. Bail was initially denied, and later set at $25,000 unsecured.
The case was transferred to Potter County Court of Common Pleas, where Rudinski pleaded guilty on April 15, 2026, to misdemeanor terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another person. The remaining counts of simple assault and harassment were not pursued as part of the final disposition.
On May 20, 2026, Judge Stephen P.B. Minor sentenced Rudinski to 24 months of probation on the terroristic threats conviction.
The sentencing order also required Rudinski to undergo a psychiatric evaluation or produce an existing evaluation and comply with all treatment recommendations. The docket further states he was ordered not to own or possess firearms, to have no contact with the victim, to complete 20 hours of community service, and to pay court costs and supervision fees.
The docket also references a Taurus 1911 firearm connected to the prior case, stating that state police were to release the firearm to a licensed firearms dealer selected by Rudinski, with proof of transfer required.
Separate court dockets show Rudinski also entered guilty pleas in several 2025 traffic matters, including citations for speeding, driving an unregistered vehicle, operating a vehicle without a valid inspection, and required financial responsibility.
The charges in the June 22 case are allegations. Rudinski is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
