SouthSide Man Charged in Downtown Beating, Robbery

A South Bethlehem teenager is accused of participating in a savage group beating and robbery of another during a house party in the historic downtown on Saturday night, according to court records.

Benjamin Ragsdale, 19, of 629 William St., allegedly started a fight with Brian Lichtenwalner that put in Lichtenwalner in the emergency room at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill. The victim suffered numerous injuries, including a bloody nose and mouth, the arrest affidavit says.

Lichtenwalner told police he also had several items stolen from him, including an iPhone, a pair of earrings, a pair of sneakers and $100 cash.

The incident took place about 10:30 p.m. at 85 E. Broad St., the site of the party. Lichtenwalner told police that he was struck in the head from behind by Ragsdale as he walked past him and three other men in the foyer.

Then, Lichtenwalner told police, Ragsdale grabbed him around the neck from behind and slammed him into walls, while several of the other men punched him. At one point, one of them took out a knife and cut a 2½-inch gash in his left hand.

In the affidavit, police noted the cut to Lichtenwalner’s hand, as well as a swollen face, bloody nose, bloody mouth, marks around his neck, numerous other marks and bruises and a bump on his forehead.

Ragsdale was charged with robbery, aggravated assault, simple assault, theft and harassment. He was arraigned before on-duty District Judge David Tidd of Lower Saucon Township and committed to Northampton County Prison after he failed to post $30,000 bail.