Authorities with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General have filed charges against the president of the local Cambria County Crime Stoppers, as well as his brother, after the two were accused of assaulting another man at a Geistown-area restaurant earlier this year.
Investigators say on January 18th, police were called to the Bistro Restaurant, in Geistown Borough, for a reported assault.
According to the affidavit, authorities say Gary and Jerry Martin were alleged to have physically assaulted another man during an altercation at the bar.
Officials say due to Gary Martin’s involvement with the local chapter of the Crime Stoppers organization, and his brother Jerry’s affiliation with the Geistown Borough Police Department, the Attorney General’s office was tasked with investigating the alleged assault.
Authorities say multiple witnesses told investigators that the altercation began when the victim reportedly confronted the Martin brothers about how they were allegedly “making fun of him” while he was giving directions to another bar patron.
According to one witness, authorities say when asked about who was “messing” with the victim, Jerry Martin reportedly responded, “I am. What are you going to do about it?”
Investigators say surveillance video from the restaurant reportedly shows Jerry Martin proceed to “shove” the victim off of a barstool and into the wall.
Officials say Jerry then reportedly grabs the victim by the neck/collarbone area while his brother Gary reportedly proceeds to headbutt the victim, three times.
Authorities say one of the other patrons reportedly overheard Gary Martin tell the victim to “come outside” so they could “finish this outside.”
Investigators say when they spoke to the victim, he corroborated the witnesses’ statements that he was giving directions to a woman when he overheard the Martin brothers “mocking” him and referring to him as “Tattoo man.”
Authorities say when he confronted them about it, the victim told investigators that Jerry Martin proceeded to stand up, “get in his face” and push him off the barstool.
Officials say the victim told investigators that he had a “red mark” on his forehead from where he was reportedly headbutted but stated that he did not seek medical attention.
According to online court records, the Martin brothers are both facing charges of simple assault and harassment.
