Punxsutawney man stabbing incident
Alleged screwdriver attack in Punxsutawney.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
PUNXSUTAWNEY — A man from Jefferson County has been taken into custody following accusations of stabbing another individual with a screwdriver on May 3.
Bradley James Heitzenrater, aged 34 and a resident of Punxsutawney, now faces multiple charges brought against him by the Punxsutawney Borough Police. These charges include one count of aggravated assault for attempting to cause severe bodily injury or causing injury with extreme indifference, which is classified as a first-degree felony. He also faces one count of aggravated assault for attempting to cause or causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony. Additionally, Heitzenrater has been charged with two counts of simple assault, one count of making terroristic threats, one count of disorderly conduct by engaging in fighting, and has been cited for public drunkenness and similar misconduct. These charges were detailed in a criminal complaint filed at Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline Mizerock’s office on May 4.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the incident occurred on May 3 when the Punxsutawney Borough Police received a report from Jefferson County Control regarding a man who had allegedly been stabbed three times in the neck at an apartment building on North Findley Street. The report also mentioned that the suspect was seen heading towards Shop ‘n Save, described as wearing a plaid shirt. The police managed to locate the suspect on Mill Alley.
Upon encountering the suspect, identified as Heitzenrater, the police instructed him to raise his hands and turn around. He complied with the instructions and was subsequently handcuffed. Heitzenrater exhibited signs of impairment, including unsteady movement, slurred speech, and bloodshot eyes. While in the patrol car, he made incomprehensible statements. He admitted to consuming marijuana and Suboxone earlier in the evening. Furthermore, he allegedly expressed a desire to harm the victim but claimed he would never actually carry out such an act.
Witnesses present at the scene reported that Heitzenrater had approached them at a gazebo and asked about killing a person. He then disclosed that he had been involved in a physical altercation with a man at one of the apartments, during which he stabbed the individual three times in the neck with a screwdriver. Alarmed by his behaviour, the witnesses contacted the authorities. The victim was later attended to by Jefferson County EMS, who identified two stab wounds on his shoulder and chest. Photos of the injuries were taken by the police to assist in the investigation.
Heitzenrater is currently being held at the Jefferson County Jail on a bail of $20,000. His preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place on May 16 at Judge Mizerock’s office.
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1. Punxsutawney man arrested allegedly stabbing person screwdriver
2. Punxsutawney man arrested stabbing person screwdriver.
