NILES — A man who pulled a knife on a person and barricaded himself inside a Niles home on two occassions will serve time in prison for multiple criminal charges.

Kyle Paul Collinsworth, 21, of the 1600 block of Florence Avenue, was charged with aggravated assault, interference with electronic communication and possession of less than 25 grams of cocaine. Collinsworth pleaded guilty to the charges Feb. 13.

Judge Charles LaSata sentenced Collinsworth to 107 days in jail for count one, 12 to 24 months in prison for the second count and 18 to 48 months in prison for the final count. The sentences will be served concurrently. Collinsworth was also ordered to pay $391 in fines and costs.

The incident leading to Collinsworth’s arrest occurred on Dec. 14 when the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to a home in the 1600 block of Florence Avenue in Niles for a suspect, identified as Collinsworth, who had pulled a knife on a victim and locked himself in the residence.

The victim stated that Collinsworth had taken mushrooms and cocaine the night before and had been acting strange, according to court records.

An argument between the victim and Collinsworth ensued. When the victim tried to leave the residence, Collinsworth grabbed a knife and would not let her, court records indicated. He also threatened to kill her.

Another person who lived at the residence, entered the home when they heard the victim scream. Both people were able to leave the house and call the police.

When authorities arrived at the residence, they uncovered some cocaine, but not Collinsworth, who had fled before their arrival.

The incident, which took place in close proximity to the Brandywine Community School District, initiated a district-wide lock down.

On Dec. 16, Collinsworth barricaded himself inside his residence again. This time, police were able to negotiate and take him into custody.

Collinsworth was represented by defense attorney Paul Jancha Jr. who asked the judge to allow Collinsworth to be part of the KPEP program — a community-based alternative to incarceration.

Jancha said Collinsworth has family in the area who wants him to get the necessary help to get stable and then return home. Jancha said he felt KPEP would allow Collinsworth that opportunity.

LaSata asked Collinsworth why he thought he should get KPEP instead of prison.

“I think I deserve a shot,” Collinsworth said. “I got in an unhealthy relationship, and I let that get the best of me.”

LaSata, however, expressed concerns about Collinsworth’s record and his behavior. LaSata recalled that during his arraignment on Dec. 17, Collinsworth had sworn at him during the court proceeding.

LaSata also noted that in two of his adult convictions, Collinsworth had failed to comply with probationary guidelines and that he was sent to prison as a result.

With this record, LaSata said he felt residents would not be protected from Collinsworth’s criminal behavior if he was given a community sanction. Due to this, LaSata said he found solid reasoning to deviate from court guidelines.

“The guidelines [for punishment] don’t adequately address six prior juvenile convictions … and the continued failure of your efforts at probation,” LaSata said. 

Collinsworth has credit for serving 107 days.