A Slate Belt man who recently posted bail on assault charges faces more offenses after repeatedly beating two other family members, Pennsylvania State Police said.
James Allen Hammerstone (Courtesy photo)
James Allen Hammerstone, 50, of the 500 block of Sandy Shore Drive, Upper Mount Bethel Township, was jailed after allegedly beating his wife on Jan. 26 and breaking her ribs in the assault. He posted $25,000 bail in that case and was released from prison Feb. 8, according to court records.
While Hammerstone was incarcerated, his brother was watching his home. Hammerstone at 1:03 a.m. Friday allegedly entered the garage and accused his brother of stealing $120 and other items from the house, police said.
Hammerstone then began repeatedly punching his brother in the face, police said. When his nephew arrived to break up the fight, Hammerstone also punched him several times all over his upper body, according to police.
Police said the nephew ran to a neighbor’s house to get help, but Neyine Hammerstone found the victim on the neighbor’s porch and threw him to the ground. Hammerstone then allegedly bit the nephew’s hand.
Hammerstone’s brother arrived at the neighbor’s house and the trio continued fighting. Hammerstone eventually drove away in his truck, police said.
Slate Belt man accused of breaking wife’s ribs in beating
Both victims were injured and sought treatment on their own at St. Luke’s Hospital in Phillipsburg, court records indicate.
When investigators later called the nephew’s cellphone, Hammerstone allegedly picked up and told police the victims “beat him up for no reason” at the neighbor’s house. Hammerstone then hung up and refused to meet with officers to discuss the case, police said.
Hammerstone is charged in the January incident with aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment. He is charged in Friday’s incident with two counts each of simple assault and harassment.
Hammerstone was arraigned Monday before District Judge Patricia Broscius, who set bail at $5,000. In lieu of bail, Hammerstone was sent to Northampton County Prison.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
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