A Schuylkill County man is facing an aggravated assault charge after police say he fractured a woman’s facial bone and attempted to suffocate her during a prolonged domestic dispute late last month.
Travis Riegel, 41, of Washington Township outside Pine Grove, is accused of assaulting the woman during an incident that occurred between Jan. 23-24 in Ashland.
Police in Ashland say the altercation began when the woman received a phone call from a male acquaintance she had met two years prior, which reportedly made Riegel angry.
Riegel allegedly began screaming at the woman, calling her a slut and a whore, police say. He then allegedly pushed the victim, causing her ears to ring, before he began to wrestle and punch her. Riegel also allegedly pulled the hair from the victim’s head during this portion of the assault.
Police say the violence paused briefly while the woman took a shower, but resumed when Riegel brought up the phone call again. Riegel then allegedly punched the woman in the face, causing her nose to bleed. When she screamed for help, he reportedly stopped.
Later, the woman retreated to another room because she felt she had a concussion, according to police. As she attempted to text for help, police say, Riegel tackled her and attempted to suffocate her by placing his arms in front of her mouth and nose.
Medical records reportedly confirm the victim was treated for a concussion and a broken bone in her face.
Riegel was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli on Friday morning and charged with felony aggravated assault, a misdemeanor count of simple assault, and a summary count of harassment.
Tarantelli set unsecured bail at $50,000 and set a preliminary hearing date for Feb. 18 in his court.
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