Police: Victim pummeled after exiting his vehicle for alleged business meeting
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Saul Bernal-Castaneda, 31, of Kennett Square, faces charges that include aggravated assault in connection with a Friday attack, New Garden Township Police said.
A Kennett Square man was taken into custody Saturday morning, accused of beating a man he said was having an affair with his wife, New Garden Township Police reported.
Police said they were contacted at 12:15 a.m. Saturday, about 13 hours after the alleged assault occurred at approximately 11 a.m. on Friday. The 22-year-old victim, who received 18 sutures for injuries to his arm and a finger, said his wife picked him up from work on Friday and transported him to an abandoned mushroom property in the 200 block of Ellicott Road in Avondale to discuss a possible business deal, police said.
Upon his arrival, the victim, an Avondale resident who is not being identified by police, told investigators that he was met by the defendant, Saul Bernal-Castaneda, 31, who was also accompanied by his wife. As the victim exited his vehicle, Bernal-Castaneda struck him in the head and arm with a wooden stick, police said.
The victim told police he attempted to defend himself by wrestling with Bernal-Castaneda, who possessed a folding-knife that inflicted multiple lacerations to the victim’s arm and fingers. Police said the victim reportedly retreated when Bernal-Castaneda’s wife intervened. He fled the scene and received medical treatment in Delaware, police said.
Investigators located Bernal-Castaneda at his residence in Kennett Square borough early Saturday morning and took him into custody without incident, police said. Bernal-Castaneda told police the altercation occurred because the victim was having an affair with his spouse, police said.
Bernal-Castaneda was arraigned on charges that include aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangering, and weapons offenses, police said. He was taken to Chester County Prison after failing to post $10,000 bail.
New Garden Township Police Chief Gerald Simpson said the investigation is continuing. He said police have not yet determined the circumstances that led to the Friday meeting. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact the department at 610-268-3171 or use its Anonymous Crime Tip Line at 610-268-2907, ext. 222.
