Assault-related charges have been lodged against Michael Alan Smith after he shoved a man inside the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lodge in Jersey Shore, causing the man “to fall to the floor and strike his head,” resulting in traumatic brain injuries, Lycoming Regional police alleged in an affidavit.

The incident occurred at 201 N. Lincoln Ave. about 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30. Police were told that the victim, John Eck, “approached Smith about playing vulgar music grabbing Smith’s shoulder to turn him around,” the affidavit stated. “Smith responded by telling Eck ‘Get your (expletive) hands off me old man,'” police said. Eck then “tapped Smith on the shoulder. Smith then forcibly pushed Eck, causing him to fall on the floor and strike his head. Eck went unresponsive,” police said in the affidavit. Eck suffered a fractured skull and “three brain bleeds” and was recovering at UPMC Williamsport, police said.

Smith, 35, of 16 E. Highland St., Avis, has been charged with aggravated and simple assault as well as harassment, police said, and has since waived his preliminary hearing before District Judge Denise Dieter. He is free on $50,000 bail.