Aug 12, 2015 2 min read

McDonald police have obtained an arrest warrant from District Judge Gary Havelka for a Burgettstown man on charges including aggravated assault and reckless endangerment for allegedly brandishing a knife at another man before assaulting him Sunday night.

Gregg Eugene Abbott, 39, of 48 Francis Road, also faces charges of terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct for the alleged assault of 36-year-old Deno Ely.

Officers Bradley Resnik and Ross Youree were dispatched about 7:30 p.m. for a report of an altercation between two men in the parking lot of 1443 Main St. The two men, later identified as Abbott and Ely, were reportedly arguing about stolen tools. Police were on their way when they learned the confrontation turned physical.

When police arrived, they saw Ely with several scrapes on his elbows, knees and hands. He was also bleeding from the mouth. Ely told police Abbott approached him in an aggressive manner as he worked on his vehicle. Ely told police he then accused Abbott of stealing tools from him. He also indicated he has known Abbott since they were children and the two have had past physical confrontations.

Abbott reportedly brandished a knife at Ely and threatened to “cut him up,” while gesturing with the knife, police said. Abbott then put down the knife and allegedly struck Ely several times before fleeing on foot toward a business adjacent to the parking lot. Three witnesses to the assault corroborated what police were told by Ely.

Police searched the area for Abbott but were not able to locate him.