A Schuylkill County man was sent to prison Thursday evening after he allegedly struck a woman numerous times with pieces of a metal bed frame and a propane tank.
According to court records, police in Mahanoy City were dispatched at about 3 p.m. on Aug. 14 to a home on W. Pine St. for a reported domestic assault.
Police arrived and found the alleged victim of this assault in only a bath towel with blood dripping from her forehead.
The victim reportedly told police that her former boyfriend and current friend Stephen Bolish, 32, of Mahanoy City, attacked her when he received a Messenger message from a woman. She said that Bolish first put his arm around her neck, nearly causing her to lose consciousness.
Bolish then allegedly took pieces of an old metal bed frame and struck her in the right knee and left thigh. He then allegedly took a sharp piece of that bed frame and gouged it into the victim’s thigh that caused two bleeding puncture marks.
As the victim attempted to prevent being hit in the face and head, Bolish allegedly struck her in the wrists with the bed frame.
The victim’s mother, hearing the commotion, went to investigate and reportedly saw Bolish pick up a small, blue propane tank and strike the victim in the head with it, causing her to bleed further.
The victim was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pottsville for treatment.
Bolish, who had previously been placed in a patrol vehicle, reportedly slipped his handcuffs to his front side and showed signs that he was under the influence of methamphetamine, police say.
Earlier during the investigation, Bolish reportedly said there was some sort of conspiracy afoot.
When questioned by police, he denied striking the victim and said she caused the injuries to herself. He also claimed to have injuries but police say there was no evidence of that.
Bolish was hauled before Magisterial District Judge AJ Serina and charged with aggravated assault, a felony, along with misdemeanor counts of strangulation and reckless endangerment, and a summary offense for harassment.
Serina set bail at $100,000 cash and Bolish was sent to Schuylkill County Prison, where he remains, according to court records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 21.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...