Nazareth Man Accused of Assaulting American Legion Bartender

A Nazareth man is in Northampton County Prison after allegedly punching a bartender from the local American Legion “for no legitimate reason,” court records say.

Ian Garren, 33, of the 300 block of S. Main Street, was arraigned before District Judge John Capobianco and charged with simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct - engage in fight, and disorderly conduct - hazardous/physical.

He remains in Northampton County Prison after failing to post 10 percent of $2,500 bail, according to court records.

At 9:51 p.m. Sept. 30, according to a police criminal complaint, Officer Benjamin Rizzotto was dispatched to the Harold V. Knecht Post 415 American Legion, 158 S. Main St., for a report of an assault.

Steven Southam, a bartender at the American Legion, said he was asked by an on-duty bartender to open the entrance door for John Steier, whom Southam is familiar with. 

When Steier moved from the doorway, court records say, Garren came into view and punched Southam. The punch landed on the left side of his face, resulting in a cut to the inside of his mouth.

Southam fell to the ground, injuring his back and the right side of his head, according to court records.

Garren also faced assault and harassment charges in April after allegedly throwing a phone and kicking his pregnant girlfriend. The charges, however, were dismissed, court records say.