MAN ACCUSED OF BASEBALL BAT BEATING TO STAND TRIAL ON CHARGES OF AGGRAVATED AND SIMPLE ASSAULT

A man accused of beating two people with a baseball bat at a Salem gas station will stand trial on charges of aggravated and simple assault.  The Trib reports that 26-year-old Reno Roberts is accused of attacking Elizabeth Hobbs and her boyfriend at the GetGo station on Route 22 on October 16th.  After the attack, Roberts allegedly fled with his mother, who witnessed the incident.  A witness said that he shouted some homophobic insults towards the two during the attack.  Police found him four days later.  Roberts’ attorney, Edward Nicholson, said during the preliminary hearing that he was merely defending himself, but assistant DA Jeremy Mains said the fight escalated because of Roberts’ actions.  Roberts remains in Westmoreland County Jail without bail.