Oct 14, 2009 1 min read

All charges filed against a man accused of assaulting a Connellsville woman at a bar earlier this month were held for court Tuesday. Trooper Ryan R. Burns said Joseph James Butela, 53, of Connellsville was charged before Magisterial District Judge Dwight K. Shaner with aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment in the alleged assault.

Burns said the attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at a bar in Dunbar Township.

Shaner held all charges against Butela to Fayette County Court during a preliminary hearing Tuesday afternoon.

Burns said the 54-year-old victim, who was not identified, was arguing with Butela when the fight turned physical.

Burns said the woman suffered injuries to her head, nose, mouth and eye during the altercation and was flown by medical helicopter to UPMC-Presbyterian hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment.

While an update on her condition was not available Saturday, Burns said the woman might have suffered brain damage as a result of her injuries.

Butela remains free after posting $5,000 bond.

According to Fayette County Court records, Butela pleaded guilty to public drunkenness in 2005 and 2001 and was charged with violating a protection-from-abuse order in 2000.