CURWENSVILLE – A local man is behind bars following an alleged domestic assault.
Jeffery Clayton Gearhart, 40, of Curwensville is charged by Clearfield state police with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault and reckless endangerment and one summary.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Oct. 11 troopers were called to the Emergency Department at Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospital for a reported domestic violence victim.
State police say the victim’s visible injuries included “massive swelling” to her forehead as well as extensive bruising. Her left eye was also nearly swollen shut.
There was reportedly large bruising, cuts, scrapes and abrasions about her entire body and medical staff had to conduct testing to determine the extent of her injuries.
State police spoke to the victim who said Gearhart had consumed alcohol throughout that afternoon and they ended up in an argument when he tried to leave.
She said she took his truck keys because she didn’t want him driving, and this is when he got physical. He allegedly shoved her to the ground, punching her in the head and upper body multiple times.
He also kicked her multiple times while she was on the ground, she said, pointing out that Gearhart didn’t stop until he got the keys and fled with their two children.
The victim said she was left without a phone and had to walk up the road to a relative’s residence to receive help.
Gearhart is being held at Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16 during centralized court.
