A Lancaster County man was arrested and jailed earlier this week after police say he struck a family member with a hand-held light stick during an argument at the family member’s home in Schuylkill County.
Police were dispatched to a home in the 700 block of E. Grand Ave. in Tower City at a little after 2 a.m. for a reported domestic dispute.
The victim told police her family member, John Haupt, 40, of Bainbridge, entered the home through the basement and began arguing with her in the living room. Police say Haupt approached the victim while holding a handheld light stick and got in her face.
Fearing Haupt would strike her, the victim told police she sprayed him with a cleaning spray. Haupt then struck her left hand with the light stick, causing open wounds to her index and middle fingers, police say.
The victim reported retreating to her bedroom, where Haupt followed her. She told him to leave, and he exited the residence on foot, according to police.
Police canvassing the area located Haupt walking near the intersection of S. Fourth St. and School Lane. When detained, Haupt told police he swung the light stick at the victim to try and knock the cleaning bottle out of her hand after being sprayed.
Haupt was taken into custody shortly after 4 a.m. and transported to the State Police-Schuylkill Haven barracks. Haupt was then arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James Reiley on a felony charge of aggravated assault, a misdemeanor charge of simple assault, and summary count of harassment. Reiley set bail at 10% of $20,000. Haupt posted bond on Thursday and was released from Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing in Tremont is scheduled for May 7.
Schuylkill County Crisis & Support Resources
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, free, confidential, and inclusive help is available 24/7 in Schuylkill County.
- Schuylkill Hope Center (Domestic Violence): Call the 24/7 hotline at (570) 622-6220, text HOPELINE to 20121, or visit schopecenter.org. Services include emergency shelter, housing assistance, counseling, and legal representation.
- SARCC (Sexual Assault): Call the 24/7 hotline at (570) 628-2965 or visit sarccheals.org for counseling, advocacy, and healing support for survivors of sexual violence.
- Outside Schuylkill County: Residents across Pennsylvania can find their local domestic violence program at pcadv.org. You can also visit domesticshelters.org to find resources near you.
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