An Allentown man is facing a felony aggravated assault charge after Pennsylvania State Police allege he struck his then-girlfriend several times during an altercation inside a moving vehicle.
Mark Elliott Leon, 52, was charged Tuesday with first-degree felony aggravated assault, second-degree misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment.
Police Detail Alleged Assault
According to the affidavit, the woman contacted State Police at Bethlehem on and reported that the assault occurred around 8 p.m. on . She told investigators that she and Leon were returning from dinner in Tamaqua when an argument became physical while Leon was driving.
The woman alleged that Leon struck her in the face multiple times. She told police she grabbed a soda can and struck Leon in self-defense but initially did not report the incident because she feared she would also get in trouble.
Police said the woman sought treatment at the Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg emergency room the following day. Medical records obtained by investigators reportedly showed that she was treated for a concussion and a closed fracture involving her right maxillary sinus. The complaint also described swelling and bruising to her face.
Suspect Interviewed by State Police
During a voluntary interview with investigators on , Leon allegedly said the woman struck him several times with a closed fist and an empty seltzer can while he was driving. He showed investigators photographs that police said depicted scratches on the right side of his face.
Leon acknowledged striking the woman in return to get her to stop, according to the affidavit. Police said he described using his forearm and the back of his fist to strike her in the head and face approximately three times.
Leon reportedly identified the location of the altercation as Route 309 near Route 895 in West Penn Township. The woman told police she could not recall the exact location because of her concussion and unfamiliarity with the area.
Charges and Court Status
The charges were filed before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek. Court records list the case as awaiting a preliminary hearing.
All charges are allegations, and Leon is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.