Aggravated assault

A Bethlehem couple was arrested for aggravated assault Nov. 30 after police were called to an apartment in Macungie for a fight.

Michael David Layton, 21, and Alexandra Joyce Carter, 22, both of 1706 Barrett Drive, were arrested following an incident at an apartment building on Lehigh Street in Macungie at approximately 9:10 p.m. Nov. 30.

Macungie police officers responded to a report of a disturbance involving a handgun at the residence. Upon arrival, officers met with a distraught female who stated a male had pointed a handgun at her and threatened her.

The male and a female who was with him and also involved in the altercation fled the scene in two vehicles.

Police investigation revealed Layton and his wife Carter allegedly were at the apartment building visiting a friend. During the visit a verbal fight between an upstairs neighbor and the female friend the couple allegedly was visiting erupted concerning noise.

The complainant, who was not involved in the fight, came outside to smoke. While outside she noticed a black VW Jetta parked extremely close to her vehicle. She walked to her vehicle to inspect it. While she was at her vehicle Layton allegedly emerged from the apartment and confronted her. A verbal fight ensued.

Layton allegedly began yelling and asked if the woman had a problem with his wife's car. The altercation continued as the complainant began walking back to her apartment door. Carter heard the yelling and allegedly emerged from the apartment and joined the fight.

Carter allegedly made racial insults about the complainant and swung at her several times while screaming. Layton allegedly held Carter back and pulled her away from the woman.

Also hearing the commotion were two females who were in another apartment. The two females came outside. Layton allegedly confronted and threatened one of the females and pushed her twice.

Layton then allegedly looked backed to the original complainant and verbally threatened her with a racial insult. A few seconds later Layton allegedly brandished a black handgun, racked the slide of the weapon and pointed it at the woman's head. The woman told police her young son was in the doorway only feet from her and witnessed the incident.

Layton and Carter allegedly fled the scene in two separate cars when they learned police were being called.

A Macungie Police Department officer stopped both vehicles along Brookside Road. An investigation located a black BB handgun in the glove compartment of one of the vehicles. The gun had no identifying characteristics which would have identified it as a BB gun and not a firearm, according to police.

Layton was charged with aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, harassment, possessing instruments of a crime, criminal conspiracy and driving under suspension.

Carter was charged with ethnic intimidation, disorderly conduct, terroristic threats, public drunkenness, harassment, aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy. In addition to those charges, a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol is pending results of a blood test, according to police.

Layton and Carter allegedly were transported to Lehigh County Central Booking Center to await arraignment.

Macungie Police Department officers were assisted by police officers from Alburtis and Emmaus police departments and troopers from Pennsylvania State Police.