A Scranton man first smashed his girlfriend’s cellphone and then assaulted her when she purchased its replacement, police said.
Devin Hall, 26, of 313 14th Ave., is charged with assault and harassment .
Here is what police say happened:
At about 8:30 a.m. on April 18, officers responded to a Stafford Avenue address for a reported protection-from-abuse order violation.
Upon arrival, Officer Larry Greenfield spoke with Aniyaeh Eyonla Williams outside the apartment building. Williams said she didn’t live there, but had come to a friend’s house seeking a safe place to call police. She told officers she lived with Hall on 14th Avenue.
Williams said Hall had been abusive to her during their nearly five-year relationship.
Officers accessed a PFA, issued March 31, that required Hall to avoid all contact with Williams.
Williams told officers that the order had been amended to a “no hit” order, which allowed contact. But the Lackawanna County sheriff’s office told city police that the only order on file was a “no contact” order.
Williams told police that several days before Hall had grabbed Williams’ cellphone and smashed it, so she bought another phone.
Williams said that at about 5 a.m. that day, Hall had demanded her phone and password. When she refused to turn it over, the two struggled on a bed, with Hall trying to force it from her hand. Hall was ultimately able to get the phone from Williams, tearing her shirt in the struggle.
Hall was upset as he looked through the phone and wouldn’t let Williams leave.
Hall grabbed Williams’ shirt and pulled her to the floor several times.
Williams was eventually able to leave the apartment and get to her car, but went back into the apartment to again ask for her phone.
Williams said Hall was still yelling and blocked the door when Williams tried to leave for a second time. Hall grabbed her shirt and struck Williams with his elbow.
Williams said Hall told her, “You’re lucky I don’t punch your face off.”
Under the guise of going to the bathroom, Williams was able to leave the apartment.
Officers arrested Hall as he was driving Williams’ vehicle on Luzerne Street.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on April 29 before District Judge George Seig.
Hall remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail.