Police: Man used axe handle in North Huntingdon Township assault

NORTH HUNTINDGON TWP., Pa. — A Hempfield Township man is facing charges after police say he assaulted another person and caused damage to property with an axe handle on Sunday.

North Huntingdon police said the incident occurred at a McDonald’s restaurant.

George J. Gardner, 46, was charged with 24 counts, including felony aggravated assault, DUI, misdemeanor reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and traffic violation charges.

Police said Gardner was racing around the McDonald’s in his truck, when a person in another vehicle voiced concern about the reckless driving. That is when Gardner grabbed an ax handle from the vehicle, then  smashed a window of the van, pulled a man out, and began punching him repeatedly, police said.

Gardner then got back into his truck and drove over a 6-inch curb while attempting to hit three McDonald’s employees as they were leaving work, police said.

He then parked his vehicle, got out and walked toward the workers as police arrived. Police said Gardner began kicking, spitting and yelling obscenities at police and damaged a police car.

He was then taken into custody.

No injuries were reported.

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