PHILIPSBURG – A 25-year-old Philipsburg man who has been accused of aggravated assault and related offenses was arrested during a traffic stop Sunday night.
Benjamin Matthew Geckl, 25 of Philipsburg, faces charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, false imprisonment and unlawful restraint. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Centre County Prison. He was arraigned and held on $80,000 bail.
According to police, the domestic incident occurred between 3 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Sunday. Police said that Geckl went to a 27-year-old Philipsburg woman’s apartment, and the two engaged in a verbal argument that turned into a physical altercation.
Police said that Geckl, then, remained at the apartment and would neither allow the woman to leave, nor use her cell phone. After several hours, he left the apartment. Police said at that time, the woman reported the incident at the Philipsburg State Police barracks.