Man Arrested After Threatening Officers with Knife in Hershey

Efrain Valentin Jr. faces multiple charges after incident at local grocery store

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:59pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a knife blade against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the dangerous weapon used in this incident.A stark, gritty image of the knife used to threaten officers, highlighting the dangerous reality of responding to armed suspects in public spaces.Hershey Today

A 49-year-old man was arrested in Hershey, Pennsylvania after threatening police officers with a knife outside a Karns Food Store. Efrain Valentin Jr. was wanted on an active arrest warrant and resisted officers before being subdued with a Taser. He now faces charges including aggravated assault on a police officer and drug possession.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks officers face when responding to calls involving armed suspects, especially in public settings near schools and other community facilities. It also raises questions about mental health resources and support for individuals with outstanding warrants.

The details

Police were searching for Valentin after he was reported missing by family members. When officers spotted him at the Karns Food Store, he produced a knife and threatened them. After a brief struggle, an officer deployed a Taser and Valentin was taken into custody. In addition to the aggravated assault charge, he also faces counts of simple assault, fleeing arrest, and drug possession.

  • The incident occurred around 10:46 a.m. on April 2, 2026.
  • Valentin had an outstanding arrest warrant from the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office for failing to appear in court.

The players

Efrain Valentin Jr.

A 49-year-old man from Hummelstown, Pennsylvania who was arrested for threatening police officers with a knife.

Derry Township Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and took Valentin into custody.

Karns Food Store

The grocery store in Hershey, Pennsylvania where the incident took place.

Kindercare Learning Center

A childcare facility located near the Karns Food Store that was briefly locked down during the police response.

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What’s next

Valentin is expected to appear before a judge in the coming days to face the charges stemming from this incident.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for improved mental health resources and support systems to help prevent incidents of violence, as well as the importance of de-escalation training for law enforcement officers responding to calls involving armed suspects in public settings.