A Montoursville mother was forced to call authorities after her son allegedly beat her and stole various credit cards before driving off in her car.
According to police, the woman told officers she didn't want her son to go to jail, but she wasn't sure how else her son - who allegedly is addicted to heroin - could get the help he needed.
Matthew Bebble Kelly, 28, of 1825 Mount View Ave., has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, access device fraud, theft, simple assault, harassment and unauthorized use of an automobile.
On Wednesday, police were called to the Kelly residence for a domestic dispute. There, officers spoke with Matthew's mother, Colleen Anne Kelly, also of 1825 Mount View Ave.
Police noted that Colleen's lower lip was split open and swollen. According to reports, she had abrasions on both cheeks and blood on her jacket.
Colleen told police that her son had asked to borrow $160 to pay back "some guys" to whom he owed money. When she refused to lend him the sum, he allegedly became angry and knocked her to the floor, where he hit her repeatedly.
At that point in the interview, Colleen was forced to stop. She told police that her head was beginning to ache, and her ribs had become painful. Officers suggested she seek medical attention, but Colleen refused. She told police her brother was coming to help her, according to court records.
Colleen continued to explain that her son allegedly had taken her debit card, a credit card and her cellphone. He then drove away in her Chevrolet Malibu, according to police.
Later, Matthew returned to the home and was taken into custody without incident. He allegedly confessed to hitting his mother and taking her belongings. He explained that he had taken $190 out of his mother's bank account, using her debit card.
"He said he took out extra money so that he could buy a little 'extra' (heroin) from (his dealer)" police said, in the affidavit.
Matthew then met an unidentified drug dealer to purchase several bags of heroin. He allegedly told police that it was dark in the car, and he could not describe the man who sold him narcotics.
While searching Matthew, police uncovered 16 bags of heroin, three empty packets that contained heroin residue, and two hypodermic needles in one of Matthew's shoes, hidden underneath the insole. In his other shoe, police uncovered a single spoon.
Matthew was arraigned before District Judge Jerry C. Lepley on Wednesday. He since has been released on $2,500 bail.
