Pennsylvania man accused of threatening roommate with katana sword in dispute over thermostat

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — A State College man is in custody after allegedly threatening his roommate with a katana sword and a kitchen knife during a dispute over a thermostat, according to a criminal complaint filed by Ferguson Township Police.

Mingquan Huang, 21, is charged with terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment following an incident that occurred on Jan. 24 at 145 Musserview Way. Police responded to the residence around 6:06 p.m. after receiving a report of disorderly conduct between two roommates.

According to the criminal complaint, Huang became upset after his roommate locked the thermostat to prevent him from adjusting it. The disagreement escalated when Huang allegedly began banging on his roommate’s bedroom door, threatening to hold a knife to his throat and demanding that he come out of the room. The victim told police he feared for his life as Huang continued making threats and pounding on the door.

A witness told officers he saw Huang holding a katana sword and a kitchen knife while making threats. The witness and another individual fled the apartment out of fear but later returned to speak with police. Officers later recovered the weapons from Huang’s bedroom, according to the affidavit.

When questioned by police, Huang initially denied making threats or holding weapons. However, an officer observed the hilt of a sword protruding from behind Huang’s bed. Huang then admitted to making the threat involving the knife, according to the affidavit.

Huang is awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 16 before Magisterial District Judge Casey M. McClain.