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Local roundup: Moyle tosses no-hitter for Misericordia softball

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Main Bike World owner asks gift card holders to contact him for reimbursement

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; Felony assault and strangulation charges were withdrawn against a husband who injured his wife with a knife that he then turned on himself in a ploy, authorities say.</p><p>Michael Andrew Balent Jr., 35, of Pershing Street, Wilkes-Barre, was arrested Nov. 25 when he was released from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.</p><p>Balent and his wife sought treatment at the hospital for stab wounds and lacerations.</p><p>Balent&#8217;s wife allegedly told police her husband struck her in the face, strangled her, sliced her hands and threatened to kill her if she told anyone. Police noted her eyes were bruised and swollen, and she had three stab wounds to her abdomen.</p><p>She was initially reluctant to speak but told police Balent beats her when he takes non-prescribed pills.</p><p>Balent claimed they were walking on East Northampton Street where they were attacked by a man asking for money. He claimed the attacker brandished a knife during a fight, injuring him and his wife, court records say.</p><p>But his wife claimed Balent cut his own hands so he could tell police his injuries were defensive wounds.</p><p>At a preliminary hearing Thursday in Luzerne County Central Court, police withdrew felony charges of aggravated assault and strangulation and a summary count of harassment against Balent.</p><p>Balent, who was represented by attorney Nanda Palissery, waived misdemeanor counts of simple assault and terroristic threats to county court.</p><p>It was the second time Balent had been arrested on charges he assaulted his wife in 2018.</p><p>While they ate dinner at Olive Garden on July 10, a waiter noticed bruising all over the woman&#8217;s face and that she was barely able to speak. Police were called and subsequently charged Balent with strangulation, simple assault and harassment, which were dismissed by police at a preliminary hearing Aug. 31.</p><p>Balent remains free on $50,000 bail.</p><style>
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<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_Michael-Balent-11262018.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Balent </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_Michael-Balent-11262018.jpg</photo0><caption0>Balent </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Ed Lewis</p><p>elewis@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div>

Felony assault charge withdrawn against WB husband