Crime & Safety

Bethlehem Man Charged With Punching Two Women

Alleged assault happened after city man's girlfriend suggested that other car passenger take over the driving, police say.

 

Michael James Fritz Sr. got out of the vehicle he was driving early Saturday in Bethlehem after his girlfriend suggested a female passenger take over the driving. He had been driving home after a “night out” when he became upset.

Fritz, 41, was out of the vehicle and as the female passenger walked around to the driver’s side, he punched her in the face, causing redness and swelling above the left eye, according to court records.

He then jumped into the driver’s side front window and began punching his girlfriend in her face, causing redness and swelling above the right eye. He fled when police were called, the records say.

Police later caught up with Fritz, though the records do not say exactly when and where he was taken into custody. The incident with his girlfriend and the passenger occurred on the unit block of Hillmond Street, not far from his home at 1432 Chelsea Ave., Apt. 1.

He was arraigned later Saturday by on-duty District Judge Jackie Taschner of Palmer Township on charges of simple assault, harassment and driving under a suspended license. He was committed to Northampton County Prison after failing to post $10,000 bail.


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