SHENANDOAH - Preliminary hearings for three men charged with an assault in Shenandoah on Sept. 20 were continued Thursday.
Shenandoah police Patrolman Travis Bowman charged Francis Layton, 23, of 28 Walnut St., Ringtown; Matthew J. Bagdonavicius, 20, of 53 E. Arch St., Frackville; and Anthony Hernandez, 38, of 135 N. Catherine St., Shenandoah, for their roles in the assault in the first block of North Main Street about 11:15 p.m.
Layton was charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct while Bagdonavicius was charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hernandez is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and terroristic threats.
All three men must appear for their hearings at 1 p.m. Feb. 20 in Kilker's Shenandoah courtroom.
Bowman said that on Sept. 20, seven people were standing outside 20 N. Main St. when a white sedan drove up and two men, Nelson Rivera and Hernandez, got out. Rivera began to argue with Jesus Santos. A witness, Glen Patterson, said he got between the two men but Rivera punched Santos and the two began to fight.
Bowman said Patterson reported he saw Bagdonavicius get out of the car and give a handgun to Layton who then handed it to Hernandez.
Hernandez walked toward Santos and Rivera who were still fighting and pulled the gun out, Bowman said.
At that time, the officer said Patterson said he and another man tried to break up the fight but Hernandez pointed the weapon at him and said he would shoot him if he did not stay away.
When Patterson said he went to call police, Rivera, Hernandez, Layton and Bagdonavicius got into the car and drove off.
Bowman said he found the vehicle a short time later and took Bagdonavicius, Hernandez and Rivera into custody.
Bagdonavicius was found with a digital scale and a plastic sandwich bag containing marijuana, Bowman said.
At the police station, Bowman said Rivera was interviewed and said he and a man named "Frannie" went to the area to confront Santos about spreading rumors about him beating his wife. Rivera said Santos "sucker punched" him and the fight ensued.
When asked if Hernandez and Bagdonavicius were with him, Rivera said he could not remember because of being punched, Bowman said.