A Schuylkill County man is facing an assault charge after he allegedly struck a man in the head with a 2×4 during a dispute over a cat carrier last month.
Mark Morales, 32, of Pottsville, is charged with simple assault. The incident, police in the city say, happened shortly after 5:30 p.m. on March 19 behind a smoke shop on Logan St.
According to police, Morales called and texted the victim, stating he was coming to the shop because of an ongoing argument regarding a cat carrier. Morales arrived behind the shop while the victim was in the basement, held a 2×4, and challenged the man outside to fight.
The victim told police he willingly left the basement to confront Morales. Morales then struck the victim on the left side of the head with the board before fleeing on foot, according to police.
The victim sustained a visible head injury that did not require immediate medical attention, as well as small lacerations on his hands from trying to block the blow, police say.
An initial search of the area for Morales came up empty. He’s been ordered to appear at a preliminary hearing on the assault charge on May 4.
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