Johnstown man accused of assaulting another over bar seat

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Johnstown man is facing charges after he allegedly beat up a man at a bar over a seat.

Richard Agurs, 33, is facing charges after a man had to be taken to the hospital after he beat him up, according to a criminal complaint. On June 15, officers from the Stonycreek Township Police Department were called to Woodside Bar and Grill for an assault. Once on scene, officers spoke with the victim of the assault.

The victim told police that he was sitting at the bar when he left to use the restroom. He returned to find Agurs in his seat and told him he was in his seat. He then told officers that he just got another stool and sat next to Agurs. Agurs then allegedly became upset and then threatened to assault him, according to the affidavit.

The victim then said the situation escalated and Agurs struck him three times in the face and head. Police noted that the victim had to be taken to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center for treatment of a lip laceration, a contusion of the scalp, a headache due to trauma, a concussion and a fracture of the nasal bone.

After a review of the surveillance police noted that the video shows Agurs attacking the victim and striking him three times with a closed fist to the head and face. Agurs was then allegedly separated from the victim by two security members. Police noted in the complaint that at no point did the victim display any aggressive or threatening behavior towards Agurs.

After the assault on Sept. 16, the victim came to the police station and wanted to know what was being done in his case. He also alleged that Agurs had assaulted him a second time, this time at Tulune’s Steak and Alehouse. Police noted in the complaint that the second alleged assault is still being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police.

During a follow-up interview, the victim told officers that after the assault he’d been suffering with vision issues and severe headaches, according to the complaint.

Agurs was arraigned on Sept. 23 and released on unsecured bail. He is facing a felony charge of aggravated assault and misdemeanor charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct.

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He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 16.

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