SHAMOKIN - A 33-year-old city man charged with hitting a Coal Township man in the face and head with a crowbar Jan. 4 waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday and was ordered to appear for plea court Feb. 25 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury.
Greg Latsha, of 131 W. Sunbury St., waived to court a felony of aggravated assault and disorderly conduct before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. The defendant remains free on $10,000 unsecured bail after voluntarily turning himself into police Jan. 10.
At plea court next month, Latsha can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.
Latsha was represented by Attorney Michael Rudinski of Williamsport. Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Michael Toomey represented the commonwealth.
Latsha was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Jarrod Scandle in connection with an assault that occurred at about 4:30 a.m. at Commerce and Coal streets.
According to a criminal complaint, Latsha is accused of hitting John Mayton, 40, of 300 Trevorton Road, Coal Township, in the face and head with a crowbar several times after Mayton had given Latsha's girlfriend, Rhonda Bassett, a ride home from a bar.
Scandle said Mayton's head was bleeding profusely when he entered Shamokin Police Station to report the assault. He was later transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where he underwent emergency room treatment. Mayton's glasses also were broken during the assault, police said.
Bassett told police she attempted to stop Latsha from assaulting Mayton, but was unable to do so. Bassett said Mayton was able to get back in his vehicle and drive to the police station. She said Latsha fled the scene.