New Jersey woman jailed for alleged break-in, hatchet attack
ST. JOHNS – A New Jersey woman is facing charges, accused of a break-in and attempting to assault an elderly victim with a hatchet.
Monika Pasternak, 25, of Passaic, is in Luzerne County Prison facing felony burglary and criminal trespassing charges.
According to Butler Township, Luzerne County, Police, officers were called to the 400 block of Old Airport Road Wednesday afternoon for a report of a woman illegally entering an 80-year-old victim’s home.
Pasternak, police alleged, entered the home through the back door, confronted the victim, and made demands in broken English.
The resident, police said, convinced the woman to leave. She was then seen entering the back door of a neighbor’s home. Another neighbor saw her prowling near their vehicle.
As police sought Pasternak, the elderly victim checked a cabin in a remote part of their property and saw Pasternak inside. She exited the cabin and swung a hatchet at the victim, lodging it in a wooden porch post.
Police surrounded the cabin and took Pasternak, who was allegedly wearing stolen clothing from the cabin, into custody. Officers said she only spoke to them in Polish and would not identify herself.
A White Haven police officer translated.
Pasternak was arraigned and committed to Luzerne County Prison unable to post $25,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 30.
She is also accused of assaulting an officer and damaging the processing area of the police station.
About Author
