According to court documents, DuBois-based State Police filed the following criminal charges against 26-year-old Austin Ray Croasman, of Punxsutawney, in Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana’s office on Monday, September 19:
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
– Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
The charges stem from an incident that occurred around 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, in a field at Wayne Road’s intersection with Rathmel Boulevard, in Winslow Township, Jefferson County.
During an interview with police, a known female victim reported she was on a Poker Run with Austin Croasman. While at the above location, Croasman was involved in an argument with the victim in regards to a cooler being strapped down on the ATV they were riding on.
During the course of the argument, the two individuals walked back towards Croasman’s truck, at which point Croasman shoved the victim to the ground, causing a red scrape mark, and loss of skin to her right elbow, the complaint states.
After the victim stood up, Croasman allegedly hit the victim on her right cheek.
Police also interviewed a witness of the incident, whose statement concurred with what the victim told authorities, the complaint notes.
Croasman was arraigned at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 18, in front of Judge Inzana.
He is currently free after posting bail through a private surety.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 13 at 3:15 p.m. with Judge Inzana presiding.