ORWIGSBURG — A Schuylkill Haven man is facing charges after police allege he assaulted his fiancé during a domestic incident in Orwigsburg late Monday night.
Kyle Patrick Murphy, 38, was charged by Orwigsburg Borough Police with misdemeanor simple assault and summary counts of harassment and disorderly conduct following the , incident.
Police Respond to Orwigsburg Apartment
According to an affidavit of probable cause, officers were dispatched at approximately 11:03 p.m. to an in the 400 block of North Market Street for a report of an active physical domestic dispute.
A neighbor in an attached home reported hearing banging and screams for help, according to the affidavit.
Police said they encountered a 43-year-old man with visible injuries to his face and neck. The man identified Murphy as his fiancé and told officers that the two had been arguing in the kitchen.
Police Detail Alleged Assault and Injuries
The man alleged that Murphy struck him from behind in the back of the head, causing him to fall.
Once he was on the floor, Murphy allegedly grabbed the back of his neck, pulled his head backward and slammed the back of his head against the floor.
According to the affidavit, the man also reported that Murphy pressed against his nose hard enough that he believed Murphy had bitten it.
Police documented redness and swelling, bleeding on both sides of the man’s nose and scratches on his neck and upper chest.
The affidavit states that Murphy admitted biting the man but claimed he acted in self-defense.
Charges, Bail and Preliminary Hearing
Court records list the following charges against Murphy:
- Simple assault, a misdemeanor
- Harassment, a summary offense
- Disorderly conduct, a summary offense
Murphy was arraigned early , before Magisterial District Judge Christian Lengel.
Bail was set at $25,000 monetary with a 10% option. Court records show that Murphy was initially committed to Schuylkill County Prison and posted bail through a bondsman later that day.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for, before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek.
All charges are allegations. Murphy is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.