A Nesquehoning man is facing aggravated assault charges after police said he stabbed another man during a fight Friday night in the borough.

John Shaskas Jr., 44, was charged with one count of aggravated assault and three counts of simple assault following an incident at a home on the 100 block of North School Street, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Sgt. Carl Breiner of the Nesquehoning Police Department.

Police were dispatched to the residence at 9:01 p.m. and found two men outside the home. One man was bleeding heavily from his right leg, while Shaskas was suffering from a head wound, police said.

Officers determined the two men had been involved in a fight inside the home when Shaskas allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the victim twice in the right leg. Police said Shaskas’ head wound was caused when the victim struck him with his fist and a small mop handle.

Both men were treated for their injuries and released from a hospital. The victim’s stab wounds required stitches, police said.

Breiner there was a considerable amount of blood inside the kitchen and attached living room, with items strewn about as a result of the altercation. Blood was also found on the porch and steps where officers located the victim.

Police said the victim used his belt and an appliance cord as a tourniquet to control the bleeding until officers and EMS arrived.

Officers recovered the knife used in the stabbing inside the home, and the sheath was found nearby. During questioning, Shaskas identified the knife and sheath as his and admitted to stabbing the victim, but claimed he acted in self-defense, police said.

Shaskas also told officers he lived at the residence, but the homeowner said he did not and provided a copy of her lease showing only her name listed.

According to the affidavit, some physical evidence at the scene contradicted Shaskas’ account. The victim told police he pushed Shaskas out the door because he was not welcome there, but Shaskas returned inside and produced the knife. The victim said he only choked and struck Shaskas after Shaskas displayed the knife and stabbed him.

The homeowner also told police Shaskas attempted to stab the victim several times and swung the knife at him repeatedly, and that the victim acted in self-defense.

Shaskas is being held in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 monetary bail. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing May 6 before District Judge Beth A. Dodson of Lansford.