Cambria County man faces charges after allegedly hitting child

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Windber man is facing child endangerment charges after allegedly hitting a child.

Matthew Washko, 42, was arrested after an 8th grader told her principal on May 6 that Washko had assaulted her, according to the criminal complaint. The victim told the principal that the alleged assault took place on May 4, while they were in a car together.

The victim told police that while in the car with Washko, the two had gotten into an argument. While at a stop sign, Washko allegedly got out of the driver’s seat and pulled the victim from the backseat to the front seat by her hair. Washko then put his hand on the back of the victim’s head and pushed her forward and made it difficult to breathe, police noted in the affidavit.

Washko then allegedly hit the victim across the face with the back of his hand five times, which caused the victim’s nose to bleed and bruising under her eye. Police noted in the complaint that there was redness on the back of the victim’s neck and both eyes were black and blue.

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Washko is now facing charges of endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct. He is currently in the Cambria County Prison after failing to post 10% of his $50,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 15.

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