According to court documents filed by Orwigsburg Borough Police, officers were dispatched around 1:30 a.m. on July 12 to a residence in the 400 block of East Mifflin Street for a reported disturbance. The incident involved roommates Noah Joseph Forker, 22, and Malik Shabazz Hogan, 29.
Police said the altercation stemmed from an argument that had reportedly continued throughout the day before escalating after the two men had gone to sleep in separate rooms.
According to the affidavit, Hogan told officers that Forker repeatedly entered his room, accusing him of threatening his cat and attempting to start a fight. Hogan alleged that Forker struck him in the head, prompting him to defend himself. Hogan admitted to police that he struck Forker in the mouth and pulled his hair during the struggle.
Forker, however, gave investigators a different account. He told police Hogan had become upset over the argument and followed him through the residence before striking him in the head. Forker alleged Hogan bit his lip, arm and ear during the altercation before throwing a lamp at him, causing glass from an interior door to shatter.
Police documented injuries to both men.
According to the criminal complaint, Hogan had two large scratches on his left forearm and bruising to his left hand. Forker was observed with a cut to his upper lip, bruising near his left ear, and redness and bite marks to his arm and ear. Hogan was transported by Schuylkill EMS to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment. Officers also photographed Forker's injuries.
Investigators reviewed multiple videos recorded during and after the incident. Police said one video showed portions of the altercation, including Forker holding a lamp while yelling at Hogan to leave him alone before the lamp was thrown, causing glass to break. Another video reportedly showed Hogan yelling while striking Forker on the legs and sides after the glass had already broken.
As a result of the investigation, Forker was charged with one felony count of aggravated assault, along with simple assault and harassment. Court records show District Judge Edward Tarantelli set bail at $10,000 (10%) monetary, which Forker was unable to post. He remains lodged in Schuylkill County Prison.
Hogan was charged with simple assault and harassment. Bail was set at $5,000 (10%) monetary, which he was also unable to post, according to court records. He is likewise being held in Schuylkill County Prison.
Preliminary hearings for both men were originally scheduled for July 21 but have been continued until Aug. 11 before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek.