Emsworth councilman accused of hitting wife with flashlight

EMSWORTH, Pa. -- An Emsworth councilman was charged with aggravated assault after police said he hit his wife with a flashlight.

According to the criminal complaint, Dan Lenz hit his wife in the head with a flashlight on Jan. 28.

"I deeply regret it.  After almost 23 years of marriage nothing like this has ever happened," said Lenz.

According to the police report, Lenz and his wife began arguing after a night or drinking.  Police documents said Lenz became upset after he had to search for their dog.

Investigators said Lenz then threw a flashlight at his wife after it didn’t work. Debbie Lenz said she called police and when they arrived there was blood running down the side of her face.

"Just a few stitches and they are coming out. I'm fine," Debbie Lenz said.

Dan Lenz faces aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment charges.  He said the charges will likely be dropped after he completes 90 days of counseling. Debbie Lenz said she has forgiven her husband.

"I actually have forgiven him.  We've been married 23 years and this was something that was very unfortunate.  It has never happened before and I know he is never going to do this again," Debbie Lenz said.

"I apologize to everybody. I let everybody down, especially me. I let myself down and I deeply regret this," Dan Lenz said.