Hearing in August assault postponed
A preliminary hearing for two Washington County men accused of assaulting a man and stealing his vehicle in August was continued Wednesday.
Michael A. Cruz, 22, of 744 Buena Vista St., Washington, and Shawn M. Lashinsky, 20, of 400 W. Pike St., Canonsburg, are both charged with robbery of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, theft, receiving stolen property, reckless endangerment and firearms not to be carried without a license, court records show. They were arraigned last week by District Judge Robert Redlinger.
According to the affidavit filed by Washington police, the victim was punched and kicked multiple times after being knocked to the ground at 1:30 a.m. Aug. 16 near 21 E. Katherine Ave. The victim then crawled to the sidewalk, where Lashinsky allegedly pointed a pistol in his face.
Police said Cruz, who reportedly was also holding a gun, picked up the victim’s keys, and he and Lashinsky fled in the man’s vehicle.
Meanwhile, both men are also facing other charges in relation to separate incidents.
Cruz is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and flight to avoid apprehension stemming from a Dec. 14 incident in the 600 block of Broad Street during which police found cocaine in his possession.
Lashinsky is charged with resisting arrest, firearms not to be carried without a license, receiving stolen property, disorderly conduct, false identification to law enforcement, false reports and identity theft in relation to a July 8 incident in the 600 block of Hoge Avenue in Washington.
Police said Lashinsky ran from police when officers responded to the area for shots fired. He allegedly fought with police and one officer suffered a fractured hand. Police said Lashinsky falsely identify himself and the gun he allegedly had been carrying was reported stolen in 2010.
Cruz remains in the county jail on $15,000 bond. Lashinsky was released after posting bond.
A new preliminary date has not yet been set.