Lansford Council president charged with assault

The president of Lansford Borough Council has been accused of simple assault after a dispute over a parking spot allegedly turned physical in September.

Martin Stephen Ditsky, 69, lost his bid for another four-year term on Lansford Council on Tuesday.

On the same day, state police filed a misdemeanor charge of simple assault against Ditsky stemming from a dispute that occurred the night of Sept. 4 outside of his home on East Abbott Street.

The victim said that Ditsky grabbed her by the arm and bent her fingers back for more than a minute, while she held her 1-year-old child, She also accused him of slamming her car door, striking her 4-year-old son’s leg.

Police noted that Ditsky smelled of alcohol during the incident.

Lansford Police initially responded, but turned the case over to state police the next day because of a potential conflict of interest with Ditsky serving on council.

According to court documents, police said Ditsky confronted the woman the night of Sept. 4 for parking in front of the steps of his home.

She said Ditsky yelled at her as she placed her son in the back seat of the car. She said he then slammed the door of her bronze Mazda, striking her son’s leg.

Then, he allegedly grabbed her by the arm and bent her fingers backwards, while she held the one-year-old in her arms.

Lansford Police noted in their initial report that Ditsky identified himself as the President of Lansford Borough Council when they arrived. He allegedly told the responding officer that he was in the wrong and should not have lashed out.

Two witnesses also identified Ditsky and said he had grabbed the victim

In addition to the simple assault charge, Ditsky faces summary counts of harassment, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

A preliminary hearing date has not been announced.