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Teen charged in assault at youth home

ADAMS TWP — A teenager from the Mars Home for Youth is jailed on felony and other charges stemming from the weekend attack of two staff members and two other residents at the facility on Route 228.

Matthew Fronius, 18, of Connellsville, Fayette County, tried to run away after the assault Friday night, but he was caught a short time later.

Fronius was arraigned on three counts of aggravated assault, four counts each of simple assault and harassment, and a charge of disorderly conduct. He was placed in the Butler County Prison on $25,000 bail following arraignment.

Police said they were called to the facility for troubled teens about 8:40 p.m. after Fronius allegedly punched a pair of staffers and two other youths there.

The staff members — 22 and 25 years old — and the residents — 14 and 17 years old — were hit in the face, Adams Township Police Chief Bill Westerman said today.

It was not immediately known if any of the victims were taken to the hospital.

Westerman said Fronius took off running after the fracas with other staff members chasing him. He didn’t get far.

Police said he was caught on Route 228 near Brickyard Road, just 150 yards from the facility.

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