A Westmoreland County Jail inmate is accused of assaulting a corrections officer and injuring him by throwing a computer tablet device at him.
Nathan Baron, 42, is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and institutional vandalism. A Florida native, his last known address was in Carson, Allegheny County.
According to a complaint filed by County Detective James Williams, Baron was let out of his cell just before noon on May 18. Baron was released from his cell in order to get a lunch tray, but he took a tablet as well as the tray, Williams said.
Baron ignored an order to return the tablet and took it with him as he walked up steps to return to his cell, the complaint states.
When a corrections officer confronted Baron and demanded the tablet, Baron threw the tablet at the officer, striking him in the right arm and elbow, according to the complaint. Williams said Baron also threw his lunch tray and cup, covering the officer with food and drink.
Baron charged at the officer, attempting to push him down the steps, but the officer took Baron down the steps to the floor, Williams said.
Baron resisted other arriving officers, who eventually secured him, according to the complaint.
The officer was treated for his injuries. The screen was shattered on the tablet, which is valued at $250.
Baron was returned to the jail after he was arraigned Friday before Hempfield District Judge Mark Mansour, who set bail at $50,000.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 7.
