A 24-year-old Lehigh Township man was reportedly "out of control" smashing picture frames and threatening a woman with a hammer over a cat running away, police said.
Charged is Joshua Noel Laurie Beltzner, of the 4800 block of Timberline Drive.
At 12:20 a.m. Feb. 17, township police were dispatched to a home in the 3500 block of Church Road in the township. Officers observed the smashed picture frames throughout the house and Beltzner was "visibly upset" and "acting erratic," according to police.
The female victim told police Beltzner began arguing with her. He then allegedly backed her up into a corner in the kitchen and stood over her as she laid on the floor with a hammer over his head.
The victim told police Beltzner proceeded to yell the cat being lost was her fault. She told police she was crying and begging Beltzner to stop in fear of her life. Court records did not state the relationship between the pair.
Beltzner's brother told police Beltzner also at one point was carrying a ceramic kitchen knife. Beltzner was then taken by ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township for a mental health evaluation.
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Beltzner is charged with aggravated assault, harassment and simple assault. He was arraigned Tuesday before District Judge James Narlesky, who set bail at $25,000 unsecured.
The judge ordered Beltzner stay away from the victim and witnesses, as well as undergo a psychological evaluation.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
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