A man from Ruscombmanor Township faces charges of disorderly conduct and harassment following an incident in which he allegedly threw a drink at a family dining in a restaurant near Hamburg, according to Tilden Township police on Wednesday.
Stuart Brooks, 62, faces allegations of harassing two women and their children at a Wendy’s located at 15 Dave’s Way in Tilden Township.
On Sunday at 1:38 p.m., police were dispatched to the restaurant following a report concerning a disruptive male individual.
Chief William J. McElroy III provided the following details regarding the incident:
A 35-year-old woman, one of the victims, approached the counter to get a replacement food item when Brooks accused her of cutting in line.
A woman made her way back to the dining area, where Brooks approached, fixing his gaze on the children and another woman, aged 31. She kindly requested that he cease his actions, expressing concern that he was frightening the children.
Brooks filled a large cup with soda and walked over to the two adult victims, instructing them to be quiet.
After being asked to leave once more, he threw a soda at one of the women, striking her in the face and drenching her clothes. He subsequently directed his attention to the other adult victim, who was protecting the children, and hurled the leftover soda at them.
A Wendy’s manager successfully diffused the situation, leading to Brooks’ departure.
In the afternoon, Tilden, accompanied by state police, arrived at Brooks’ residence to conduct an interview.
He expressed that he believed the woman had jumped ahead in queue and was discussing him. He warned her, “If you don’t apologise, you’re going to wear this.” He confessed to splashing soda in her face after she failed to offer an apology. He informed the officer that “he acted as anyone else would have in that situation.”
Brooks faces multiple charges, including two counts of misdemeanour disorderly conduct, one count of misdemeanour harassment by communication, and five counts of summary harassment. These charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Kim L. Bagenstose in Hamburg.
