Assault charges against vet dismissed
DUNBAR TWP. – Assault charges lodged against a decorated Iraqi War veteran were dismissed Tuesday when the victims, who were similarly charged, failed to testify during a scheduled preliminary hearing. Salvatore Ross, 22, of 178 Brick Road, Dunbar, was charged by state police with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct in connection with the July 16 incident.
Ross, a paratrooper with the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, was severely injured when a pit filled with bombs exploded as he stood nearby. He lost the lower portion of his left leg and most of his eyesight and received numerous injuries to other parts of his body.
Ross was recently awarded the Purple Heart.
David Solomon, 48, and Brenda Solomon, 44, both of 120 Brick Road, declined to offer testimony before District Magisterial Judge Dwight Shaner which prompted the withdrawal of the charges.
According to the complaint filed by state police, Ross and David Solomon became involved in a verbal confrontation at the Solomon residence.
The confrontation turned physical with Ross incurring a laceration to the back of the head and scratch on his forehead when he was struck on the back of the head with a small metal shelving bracket by Brenda Solomon, said police.
David Solomon received small lacerations on the chest and lower right leg in addition to bruising on both hands.
Charges of simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct also filed by police against the Solomons were also dismissed.