CLEARFIELD – A disagreement over an order of fries and a hamburger at Hedge’s turned ugly and eventually landed one man in jail.
Robert Crotsley of Clearfield opted not to have an attorney represent him for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Richard Ireland on Wednesday in relation to charges stemming from the above incident.
A bartender at the establishment took the stand and testified that she served Crotsley a beer and took an order for a hamburger and fries. When she brought the food to the him, he told her he did not order it. The bartender set the food down in front of him. After doing that, she testified that she brushed a case belonging to Crotsley with her hand. She said he became belligerent with her.
The bartender said she followed the establishment’s policy for a belligerent customer, took his drink away and told him thank you and have a nice day.
At this point, according to the woman, Crotsley threw two plates at her, one of which struck her leg and hand. The woman said he then stood on foot railing under the bar and took a swing at her. Another bar patron got Crotsley’s attention according to the woman. Crotsley eventually punched the man in the face. The woman said she then called 911.
Another bartender testified as to what she heard and saw as well, including Crotsley hitting a man in the face.
The man that Crotsley allegedly hit took the stand and related that he saw a disturbance between Crotsley and the bartender at the other end of the bar and told the man to stop. According to the man, Crotsley made like he was going to leave, and walked behind him. At this point, the man said that Crotsley pushed him forward and when he turned around, he punched him once in the eye.
The man stated that he followed Crotsley to Mary’s Place and helped to identify him to police.
Crotsley did not cross-examine any of the witnesses. He did say they were all liars. He said he did not order food, but did pay for food. Crotsley also denied throwing plates at her, but that he did push the plate at the bartender as she supposedly went to take his food away.
He also testified that when he hit the man, he did not hit him once.
“I hit him upside the kisser a couple of times,” said Crotsley.
Crostley is being held in Clearfield County Jail on three counts of simple assault, three counts of harassment, criminal mischief, public drunkenness, retail theft, and theft of services. His bail is set at $25,000 straight bail.