Police probe Smithfield assault
State police are looking for the person who punched an 81-year-old man in the head before attempting to stab another man in the chest with a screwdriver. The assault occurred around 9 a.m. Tuesday when Frank Black, 81, and John Black, 53, pulled into the driveway of Frank Black’s Smithfield residence.
In a written public report, Trooper Charles Morrison said the men noticed a green car in the driveway of the 6 War Branch Road residence when they arrived. When Frank Black approached the vehicle, police said a white man with a scruffy beard got out of the vehicle and punched the elderly man in the side of the head.
Police said John Black then tried to assist Frank Black and detain the man until police could arrive. The suspect and John Black were then involved in an altercation, police said, adding that the man tried to stab John Black in the chest with a screwdriver.
Morrison stated the suspect was able to flee the scene in the green vehicle. Police said the vehicle had a damaged black roof and may also have a damaged license plate.
The suspect allegedly stole several rifles and shotguns from Frank Black’s residence before the assault occurred, police said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Trooper James Garlick at the Uniontown state police barracks at 724-439-7111.