CLARION TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A Clarion man is facing assault and related charges stemming from an incident that occurred at a residence on South 5th Avenue, in Clarion Township.
According to court documents, Clarion-based State Police filed criminal charges against 44-year-old Richard Blair Shilling, II, of Clarion.
According to a criminal complaint, Richard Blair Shilling, II advised that he has been staying at a residence on South 5th Avenue since Monday, July 18 — sleeping on the floor — while a known woman was sleeping on the couch.
The complaint states that around 12:15 a.m. on July 24, Shilling was trying to go to sleep, and the known woman was lying on the couch playing on her phone. She was voice texting and “this irritated Shilling, and he grabbed the phone from her, and she pulled the phone back. The phone went flying out of her hand into the television.”
Shilling advised that “the known woman punched him in the chest, and he punched her back in the eye,” the complaint continues.
The known woman went outside, and Shilling left; he forgot his phone and came back. “He attempted to calm her down and got a steak to put on her eye,” according to the complaint.
According to Officer Yockey, of PSP Clarion, the victim’s right eye was swollen shut and black and blue. Additionally, the victim’s television screen was damaged, the complaint indicates.
Shilling knew there was a PFA (Protection From Abuse) issued against him concerning the known woman. The PFA was ordered on January 23, 2014, by Judge James Arner. Shilling has previously violated the PFA order on the following dates: February 12, 2014; July 1, 2014; and November 10, 2014, according to the complaint.
Based on his investigation, Officer Yockey filed a criminal complaint against Shilling in Magisterial District Judge Duane L. Quinn’s office.
He was arraigned at 3:30 a.m. on July 24 on the following charges:
- Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
- Criminal Mischief-Tamper W/Property, Misdemeanor 2
- Harassment — Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
- Notice Of Change Of Name Or Address, Summary
Unable to post $10,000.00 monetary bail, Shilling was lodged in the Clarion County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on August 2 with Judge Quinn presiding.
