Feb 12, 2014 2 min read

A North Franklin Township man accused of hitting his girlfriend in the face with a space heater at her Canton Township home last week was arraigned Tuesday on charges including aggravated assault.

Eric Romant Barfield, 36, of 138 Hamilton St., is accused of hitting 28-year-old Crystal Valperga during an early morning confrontation Feb. 6 at 2208 1/2 Normandy St.

Police were called to the emergency room at Washington Hospital for a report of a woman assaulted by her boyfriend. Valperga had a large laceration from the top to the base of her nose.

Valperga told police that she and Barfield got into an argument when he arrived at her home from a bar. The argument escalated and Barfield reportedly picked up the metal space heater and struck her in the nose.

Barfield reportedly called a friend for a ride and left the home. Valperga called a friend for a ride to the hospital.

Police checked Barfield’s home as well as Woodland Apartments. When the troopers could not find him, they obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Barfield was placed in Washington County jail Monday on a probation warrant. He was arraigned before District Judge David Mark on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment. Mark set bond at $50,000. A preliminary hearing is set for July 29 before Mark.