Charges waived in alleged soccer field assault
A New Eagle woman who allegedly ran down another woman in a Jeep waived her charges in exchange for a tentative plea deal of 12 months’ probation.
Leah Marie Lauderbaugh, 32, is not permitted to contact her alleged victim, Christina Pucel, as part of the agreement.
At Lauderbaugh’s hearing Thursday, officials said her felony charge of aggravated assault would be dismissed. However, the charge remains on the Unified Judicial System portal.
Police said Lauderbaugh was upset that her ex-boyfriend, Joseph Barno, was at a soccer game for their son with Pucel on May 8. She allegedly tried to attack Pucel, but Barno grabbed her to prevent it. Later, she allegedly drove her Jeep at Pucel, who was holding her 4-year-old daughter. The two ducked behind a portable toilet at Armstrong soccer field for protection, but Lauderbaugh allegedly continued the pursuit until Barno jumped in front of the vehicle, her affidavit said.
Lauderbaugh told police she just wanted to talk to Pucel.
She is free from jail after posting a $5,000 bond. She was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and terroristic threats.