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HAZLE TWP. – A White Haven man accused by state police at Hazleton with setting fires to a vehicle and a building in March will face charges in Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.
Thomas Anthony Ward, 25, of Towanda Street, appeared on Wednesday for a preliminary hearing before District Judge Thomas Sharkey where two counts of arson and a single count of criminal mischief were forwarded to county court.
Police withdrew three other arson counts against Ward.
Police allege Ward set a 1994 Buick Century on fire when it was parked next to Barbush Auto, state Route 940, and a building on Route 940, on March 7, according to the criminal complaint.
HAZLETON – A man accused by Hazleton police with assaulting a 79-year-old business owner waived his right to a preliminary hearing before District Judge Joseph Zola on Wednesday.
Jonathan Daniel Harris, 22, of Peace Street, Hazleton, waived charges of simple assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a small amount of marijuana to Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.
Police withdrew charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, loitering and prowling at night, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and harassment against Harris.
According to the criminal complaint:
Police allege Harris assaulted Nicholas Caputo in the rear of his business, Caputo’s Ice Plant, on Wyoming Street on Aug. 24. Caputo’s son, Thomas Caputo, detained Harris until police arrived.
Police said they found a small amount of marijuana in Harris’ pockets, the criminal complaint says.