A Nesquehoning couple was charged following a domestic dispute that turned physical

Borough police officer Brian White was dispatched to 50 E. Diaz Ave., about 10:25 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, for a reported domestic dispute that turned physical.Upon arrival he was met by Brian C. Bednar, 36, who told him he and his wife, Patricia Bednar, 40, got into a physical altercation during which he admitted hitting her but only after she had struck him. White noted he could see a scratch on the left side of Bednar's face and some blood. Bednar claimed his wife struck him in the back of the head with his muzzleloader firearm.White then entered the home and spoke with Patricia Bednar, who was seated on a couch with the firearm in question lying on the floor in front of her. White took possession of the firearm and checked to see if it was loaded, which it was not.Mrs. Bednar admitted striking her husband but claimed she did so only after he had struck her first. She claimed he hit her on the back of the head and grabbed both her arms.White spoke with the on-call assistant district attorney who told him to arrest the couple and further suggested that Mrs. Bednar leave the residence with her children and advised Mr. Bednar to have no contact with her until further notice. Both parties agreed and Mrs. Bednar did leave with the children.Police charged both with one count each of simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.