Coaldale man facing assault charge

Leonard Michael Ruggerio, 25, of 101 First St., Coaldale, was cited for simple assault and harassment after an altercation on May 6.

Coaldale police were called to St. Luke's Miners Campus at 2:21 a.m. May 7 to speak with the victim of an assault. The victim said she had been at Ruggerio's home around 8:30 p.m. when they began arguing. At one point Ruggerio struck her in the face. As he continued trying to hit her, she put up her arms in an attempt to block him. There were visible bruises to her left eye, as well as a large cut and bruises on her left forearm.

When contacted, Ruggerio said he did strike the victim but it was in self-defense.