ROCHESTER TWP., Pa. -- An 80-year-old man involved in a dispute with neighbors is facing multiple assault charges -- including aggravated assault of a police officer -- in three incidents over a three-month span, according to police reports.
In each incident, Donald Martin, 100 Margaret Lane, was riding a tractor or lawn mower.
In two of the events, including the one involving a Rochester Township police officer, Martin rode his mower over bare ground, using the blades to fling rocks that struck neighbors and police, according to the reports.
The incidents occurred on June 21, July 3 and Aug. 30, according to police.
In the most recent incident, Martin reportedly used his riding mower to fling rocks at neighbor David Valent, who called police.
Officer Brad Geary arrived and attempted to stop Martin, who rode past Geary, flinging rocks that struck Geary in the body and face, according to police. He also struck Valent in the legs, police said.
When another officer arrived, Martin disengaged the engine, then restarted it and attempted to drive from the scene. He was threatened with a Taser, police said, and stopped.
In addition to aggravated assault, Martin was charged with simple assault, obstructing the administration of law and disorderly conduct.
In the July incident, Martin used his tractor to fling rocks at Mark Locke, who was struck numerous times, and Jamie Valent, who was struck in the head, neck and body, according to police.
Martin was charged with two counts of simple assault, two counts of reckless endangerment and defiant trespassing.
In June, Martin drove a farm tractor directly at David Valent, Jamie Valent and a 10-year-old girl, according to police reports. He was charged with three counts of reckless endangerment, three counts of simple assault and three counts of harassment.
The dispute began with an argument over bushes planted on the property line, police said. Martin used his tractor to pull one of the bushes from the ground.
Martin is facing preliminary hearings in all three incidents on Sept. 24 before District Judge Dale Nicholson.
Copyright 2013 - Beaver County Times, Pa.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
