An Oakmont man who was wanted on an aggravated assault warrant turned himself in to police Monday, two days after a violent confrontation at a Verona bar left a 27-year-old patron with serious, possibly life-threatening injuries. The late Saturday incident unfolded inside the Hula Bar on East Railroad Avenue, where bystanders jumped in to give first aid before medics arrived. The victim suffered deep cuts to his face and neck and was rushed to a Pittsburgh trauma center.
According to WPXI, officers were called to the bar at about 11:12 p.m. for reports of an altercation and found the injured man already being treated by people at the scene. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian, where he was last listed in serious condition.
The Verona Police Department identified the suspect as 39-year-old Michael Powell of Oakmont and said a felony arrest warrant for aggravated assault had been issued, KDKA Radio reported. Investigators say Powell later surrendered to authorities and that they are still encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Charges and penalties
Aggravated assault can be prosecuted as a felony in Pennsylvania. State law at 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702 defines the offense and outlines the circumstances that elevate an assault charge. The Commonwealth's sentencing statutes set maximum penalties for felony convictions, and a first-degree felony can carry up to 20 years in prison and fines of as much as $25,000, although actual sentences depend on guideline ranges and a defendant’s criminal history, according to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Police seek tips
Verona police have asked anyone who witnessed the Saturday night altercation or who had information on Powell’s whereabouts or actions that night to contact the department. KDKA Radio reported that authorities urged people with tips to call 911. The investigation remains active, and prosecutors have not yet released charging documents or set an arraignment date.
Details are still limited while the case is under investigation, and court filings and formal statements from prosecutors have not been posted publicly. This story will be updated as new records and official comments become available.
