City woman charged with stabbing her son
A Butler woman is accused of stabbing her son in the leg with a steak knife during a domestic squabble at their home on West Penn Street.
But Joanne L. Ralcewicz, 57, made things worse for herself early Tuesday morning, when she allegedly struck a police officer in the face with a can of soda pop.
Ralcewicz was arraigned on felony assault and other charges and later released on $10,000 unsecured bail.
Shortly after midnight city officers were called to the family's home on the 600 block of West Penn Street for a reported stabbing, police said. They found the alleged victim, 35-year-old Timothy Lang, holding the back of his right leg.
Lang, who appeared to be “heavily intoxicated,” according to court documents, told police that he was stabbed by his mother during an altercation in the kitchen.
He recounted that he and Ralcewicz had been drinking and making dinner when he accidentally bumped into her, causing her to fall to the floor.
Ralcewicz was holding a steak knife when she fell. Moments later, Lang felt something hit his leg. Lang said when he reached down, he felt a knife.
“(Ralcewicz) then pulled the knife out of his leg,” according to a police affidavit, “cutting his right hand in the process.”
A Butler Ambulance Service crew tended to Lang. Police said when Ralcewicz refused to let officers in, they forced in the door.
Ralcewicz was seated on the couch, documents said, and she, too, appeared “highly intoxicated” and had a can of pop in her hand.
While questioning Ralcewicz police Sgt. Dave Villotti tried to take the can from her. As he did, the affidavit said, she pulled it away and threw the can at Villotti's face.
The can hit Villotti but he was not injured.
Police took Ralcewicz to the floor and placed her in handcuffs.
District Judge Wayne Seibel arraigned her on two felony charges of aggravated assault and a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest.
