Police: Pacemaker malfunctions after York man assaulted by nephew

A York City man apparently caused his uncle's pacemaker to malfunction while assaulting him during a family gathering, police allege.

Marcus Reyes Preston, 31, of the 700 block of East Philadelphia Street, has not yet been arraigned on a first-degree felony charge of aggravated assault, according to court records.

York City Police Officer Ben Praster filed the charge against Preston on Monday, June 25, in the office of District Judge Ron Haskell II, court records state.

The alleged assault happened in the home of one of Preston's family members in the 200 block of South Pershing Avenue about 5:20 p.m. Sunday, June 24, according to charging documents.

Preston got into an argument with his uncle, 59-year-old Joseph Martin Preston III of York City, according to Lt. Gene Fells, who supervises the city detective bureau.

Both men were attending a family gathering at the home of Joseph Preston's mother, the lieutenant said.

Marcus Preston accused Joseph Preston of stealing something and the two men argued, Fells said.

Allegedly hit with candle: The argument became physical when Marcus Preston picked up a large candle and struck Joseph Preston in the chest with it, charging documents allege.

"He then threw the victim out of the house, pushing him out the door where the victim fell into the street," documents state.

Once outside, Joseph Preston started to experience chest pain and began to sweat profusely, according to charging documents.

He has an implanted device that regulates a heart condition and the fight caused that device to malfunction, documents allege.

Joseph Preston was taken to York Hospital by ambulance and treated, according to police.

Fells said although Marcus Preston is facing a charge of aggravated assault, the investigation into the incident is still ongoing and police are still waiting to obtain medical records.

Marcus Preston could not be reached for comment. A listed phone number for him wasn't working on Wednesday. It is unclear if he has retained an attorney.

— Reach Liz Evans Scolforo at levans@yorkdispatch.com or on Twitter at @LizScolforoYD.