Assault with vehicle case delayed

Dec. 31--CHAMBERSBURG -- A man accused of intentionally ramming another driver's vehicle had his preliminary hearing delayed from Tuesday's central court session.

According to court documents, Bryan Lee Kauffman, 42, Fayetteville, is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. He is also cited for harassment and a handful of traffic violations.

Pennsylvania State Police state in court documents that officers responded to a hit-and-run crash around 8:50 p.m. Oct. 11 at 5651 Lincoln Way East, Greene Township. Shortly after, a trooper spoke with Kauffman about the incident outside a room at the Rite Spot Motel.

Kauffman told police that he was driving a Pontiac Grand Prix while following a green Chevrolet Tahoe that belonged to someone he knew. Kauffman said the other driver slammed and locked the brakes then shifted into reverse and backed into the front of his vehicle.

Kauffman then said that occupants of the Tahoe got out and began hitting his vehicle with clubs. Kauffman did not provide a registration card and provided an expired insurance card to the trooper, and also said his license was suspended.

Investigators noted there was glass underneath Kauffman's vehicle, indicating the glass was broken at that location.

However, when the trooper spoke with the driver of the Tahoe, Joseph Daywalt, Daywalt stated that Kauffman struck his vehicle from behind. Daywalt further said Kauffman pulled away from the crash and parked in the parking lot at the Rite Spot Motel.

Daywalt called police to report the crash, he told police. He also stated that none of the people in his vehicle left his vehicle during the incident. Daywalt told police that he believed Kauffman hit his own car on purpose.

Police noticed the damage to Daywalt's bumper, which was estimated at $602.35.

Police were not able to find any clubs or other blunt instruments in Daywalt's vehicle. There was no evidence of tire marks from slamming on the brakes on the road, either. All three occupants of Kauffman's vehicle were interviewed and denied hitting Kauffman's vehicle with clubs.

Kauffman is being held in Franklin County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail. He was taken into custody on Dec. 16, according to court documents. Kauffman's preliminary hearing was rescheduled to Jan. 19.

Becky Metrick, 717-262-4762

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