Police: Ronco man assaulted another man with car jack over vehicle exchange
A Ronco man is behind bars after he allegedly hit another man in the face with the iron handle of a car jack during an argument over a vehicle exchange in McClellandtown.
Steven Edward Provance, 23, is charged with aggravated assault and simple assault.
According to the affidavit of probable cause filed in his case, Provance and Howard Layhue met in the Advanced Disposal parking lot in German Township at about 1:30 Monday afternoon with plans to trade vehicles. Provance was angry because they had done a previous trade and he was unhappy about the deal. Layhue told Provance he was still the owner of the vehicle, and wanted it back, Layhue told police.
The men began arguing, and Provance allegedly hit Layhue with the iron handle above his left eye and on his right shoulder. Layhue escaped Provance, but suffered a deep cut and swelling above his eye, according to state police.
Layhue’s girlfriend, Gretchyn Lowry, reportedly witnessed the assault from a vehicle and corroborated the account.
Provance was arraigned Tuesday afternoon before Magisterial District Judge Daniel C. Shimshock, who set bail at $25,000. Provance was unable to post bail and remains in Fayette County Prison. His preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for 9 a.m. March 18 before Shimshock.