Moore Township Man Allegedly Assaults Nazareth Detective

A Moore Township man is facing a felony count of aggravated assault -- and other charges -- after he allegedly punched Nazareth Det. Fred Lahovski in the face and "attempted to gouge his eyes out," according to police.

After Joseph Marvelli, 54, of the 500 block of Morrison Place was arrested, he was taken to St. Luke's Hospital in Fountain Hill where he punched a hole in the wall and "threatened to assault hospital staff," police say.

According to a criminal complaint:

Around 6:45 a.m. on Oct. 17, police were called to a home on the 100 block of S. Main Street in Nazareth for a report of a man banging on windows and screaming.

Marvelli, who was covered in blood and had an open head wound, indicated to Lahovski that he was deaf.

Lahovski had an ambulance dispatched and noted that Marvelli smelled of alcohol, "was unsteady on his feet, and was wet in his groin area."

Marvelli was uncooperative when Lahovski attempted to obtain identification. When Lahovski used "hand and arm signals" to let Marvelli know he was under arrest and opened the door to his police car, Marvelli ran.

Lahovski chased Marvelli and was able to grab his shirt. Marvelli then "turned and punched [Lahovski] in the face, breaking his glasses. [Marvelli] continued to punch [Lahovski] and attempted to gouge his eyes out."

Marvelli was finally brought under control with the help of a citizen, and was taken to St. Lukes Hospital in Fountain Hill.

While at the hospital, Marvelli punched a hole in the wall and "threatened to assault hospital staff."

Marvelli was arriagned before District Judge John Capobianco and charged with one felony count of aggravated assault, two counts of making terroristic threats, two counts of criminal mischief, and one charge each of simple assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and public drunkenness.

According to Police Chief Thomas Trachta, bail was set at $75,000 and Marvelli was sent to Northampton County Prison. If 10 percent of the bail is posted, Marvelli can be released.