The charges against Lawrence Wayne Melvin Sr., 61, were withdrawn Wednesday just before a preliminary hearing was scheduled to be held in Venango County Central Court.
But Sugarcreek police chief Matt Carlson said Thursday afternoon that new witnesses are now involved in the investigation, and the charges are being reinstated in conjunction with the Venango County district attorney’s office.
A warrant was issued for Melvin’s arrest and an arraignment was scheduled for Thursday night before district judge Andrew Fish.
Police said an altercation occurred New Year’s Eve between Melvin and Jim Brickner of Weaver Street in Sugarcreek. Brickner said that after he told Melvin to leave his property, Melvin ran into him with his vehicle, seriously injuring him and causing multiple fractures.
Police arrested Melvin on Jan. 16 following a prolonged investigation and a request for help from the community.
Wednesday’s scheduled hearing was delayed about 40 minutes while Melvin, John Lackatos, his attorney, and Joseph Highfield, the Sugarcreek officer involved in the case, were gathered in the hearing room.
Then, to the surprise of Melvin, it was announced the charges had been withdrawn.
Melvin was still required to stay in the Venango County jail, however, on a detainer in connection with an unrelated DUI case against Melvin that is moving through the court system.
The charges against Melvin remain the same – felony counts of aggravated assault by a vehicle, aggravated assault and accident involving death or personal injury, a misdemeanor count of recklessly endangering another person and a summary count of reckless driving.