By SAVANNAH DEMPSEY
An ex-wife was lured into a dangerous scene when her former husband allegedly called and asked her to come help him because he was dangerously ill, police say.
Dereck M. Hancock, 43, whose last known address was 653 Hepburn St., has been charged with simple assault and harassment.
According to court records, on Dec. 16, members of city police met with Bobbie Belle, who was waiting to be examined by a doctor at the Williamsport Regional Medical Center.
When they met with her, officers noticed that Belle was emotionally distraught and physically injured. As she spoke with police, she cradled her left hand and wrist, according to court records.
Belle explained that Hancock, whom she "has been trying to stay away from," contacted her earlier that day, asking for help, according to police. She said he could barely talk. Concerned for his safety, she went to check up on him.
Belle told police that Hancock was acting strangely. Though he was falling over and could barely walk, he did not appear to be intoxicated, according to authorities.
He allegedly asked her to give him a ride but refused to go to the hospital, according to court records. Frustrated, Belle turned to leave but allegedly was grabbed by Hancock and slammed down onto a coffee table, she told police.
Belle begged Hancock to let her go, but he refused, according to court records. Eventually, she was able to escape out the front door of Hancock's residence.
Belle suffered hairline fractures to two fingers on her left hand and swelling and bruising on her left arm, according to the affidavit.
Hancock was arraigned before District Judge Jerry C. Lepley on Dec. 16. He is incarcerated in lieu of $3,500.
