What started as a verbal argument allegedly turned physical when Robert A. Bitler, 61, of 577 Brick Church Road, Montgomery, allegedly struck an alleged victim multiple times on March 27, 2026, state police said in an affidavit.

The alleged victim stated that Bitler had attacked her on the couch, the cushions and pillows of which police observed to be stained with blood.

Police also observed blood coming from the mouth and nose of the alleged victim and blood stains on her hands and shirt. She also had a cut inside her upper lip and what appeared to be a welt on her forehead, court documents said.

Bitler denied striking the alleged victim, telling police her injuries were sustained during a fall. His knuckles, however, appeared to be red in color with a superficial scratch.

Bitler was arraigned on charges of simple assault and harassment by District Judge Kirsten Gardner, and remanded to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail.