Man Kept Punching Bloody, Unconscious Victim, Police Say

A Bethlehem ran behind a Zionsville man on N. New Street and punched him in the head numerous times, even after the victim was lying on the ground unconscious and bleeding, police said.

Ronnie Tarik Pernier, 22, of 635 N. New St., was charged with aggravated assault—a felony--and other charges as a result.

Two eyewitnesses told police they saw the attack unfold after 11 p.m. last Tuesday on the 600 block of N. New Street, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

According to the first witness:

Pernier ran up behind the victim and punched him in the back of the head with a closed fist. The victim fell to the ground and hit his head on the sidewalk, knocking him unconscious. As soon as the victim's head hit the ground, blood began to “gush” from his head, but Pernier continued to punch the victim.

The second witness told police he saw Pernier running after the victim and then saw him on top of the victim punching him in the head.

The affidavit does not say what Pernier’s motive might have been nor does it mention the victim’s condition.

Pernier was arrested on Friday and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment. He was arraigned before District Judge Roy Manwaring and committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.