Independence Twp. man accused of assaulting sister
An Allegheny County man arrested Monday by state police after he allegedly assaulted his sister at an Independence Township home also faces charges of criminal mischief after he allegedly drove through the yard of an elderly Canton Township man, damaging solar lights.
Jesse Andrew Charnik, 27, of McKees Rocks, was arrested by state police on charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment and simple assault.
Police were called to 38 Homestead Drive about 6:30 p.m. His sister, Elizabeth Charnik, told police her brother used heroin earlier in the day and she was worried about him overdosing. When the sister called his girlfriend, Jesse Charnik reportedly became angry and started throwing things in her room.
Charnik then reportedly saw a text message from his mother indicating that police were on their way. He allegedly became angrier and threw a dinner plate at his sister’s face, hitting her near her right eye. She fled from the home.
While the trooper was headed to the house, he learned Charnik had a warrant on a charge of aggravated assault filed in Allegheny County. The trooper was told to wait for backup. Elizabeth Charnik told police she was not sure if her brother was still at the residence. After she secured a large dog that was in the house, troopers entered and said they found Jesse Charnik hiding under a cushion in the basement.
As troopers placed him in the cruiser, Charnik reportedly was screaming and cursing. Police said he tried to pull away and refused to get in the cruiser. While one trooper talked to Elizabeth Charnik, the other officer said Jesse Charnik maneuvered to get his handcuffs in front of him and unbuckled the seat belt. Troopers secured Charnik again before taking him to the barracks.
Earlier Monday, he allegedly drove through a yard in the 1000 block of Addison Street.
He was arraigned on the assault-related charges before District Judge Jay Weller and placed in Washington County jail on $25,000 bond. He is scheduled for an Aug. 8 preliminary hearing before District Judge Ethan Ward.