Lower Frederick Township Police. Photo by James Short.
Police say George H. Haines, of Main Street in Lower Frederick, allegedly attacked a man during a dispute over an unwanted guest
A Lower Frederick man is accused of aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault and disorderly conduct after allegedly beating up a man inside his home.
On May 15 at 8:05 p.m., Lower Frederick police responded to a report of a fight on the 300 block of Main Street between a man and woman. Upon arrival, police encountered a woman who said two men in the home were in a fight, but have been separated, police said.
Inside the home, police found the accused, township resident George Harry Haines, 63, seated on the couch, who allegedly downplayed the incident, stating, “The fight was nothing.”
The victim came downstairs and began yelling at Haines, and police observed several large bruises and a bloody laceration on the man’s face, police said. He was taken outside, where he was evaluated by EMS and taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Gilbertsville for treatment, police said. Prior to transport, the victim relayed to police that he was allegedly attacked by Haines, after the victim confronted him about a unwanted person coming into the residence.
Haines was taken into custody without incident, police said. A large laceration and swollen knuckles were on his right hand, and he refused medical treatment at the scene, according to the complaint.
At the hospital, the victim admitted to police that he, Haines and the woman in the home were all involved in drug use, with Haines frequently obtaining drugs from the victim, according to the affidavit.
When the victim heard that the unwanted subject would be coming over, the victim yelled down to Haines that it was not a good idea since the woman was sick, police said. Haines allegedly replied, “You better shut up or we’re going to have a problem,” and then ran up the stairs, to which the victim asked “What are you gonna do, attack me?” Police allege Haines forced open the door and began to pummel the victim while he was seated in an office chair.
The struggle escalated and both men ended up on the floor, police said. The victim tried to restrain Haines and repeatedly called for the woman to call 911, but she refused, according to the complaint.
Haines allegedly reached for a sharp object resembling a shard of wood – which police found to be a doorstop and gathered as evidence – and attempted to stab the victim, police said. The victim yelled for Haines to stop, and the victim eventually got up and called 911, police said.
Upon arrival at Montgomery County jail for processing, Hains was sweating profusely and appearing pale, police allege. He was evaluated by jail medical staff and then transported to Einstein Medical Center by Lower Providence EMS, police said.
