Man acquitted in umbrella eye-gouging attack

GREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) - March 12, 2009 Fifty-three-year of Timothy Lenhart, of Jeannette, claimed he picked up the umbrella in self-defense when he and 44-year-old Jennifer Hix argued after drinking about 20 beers on Jan. 7, 2008.

Lenhart says he tried to ward off Hix after she picked up a glass table. He says she was poked in the eye accidentally as they struggled for the umbrella.

Hix had told the Westmoreland County Jury that Lenhart purposely jabbed her in the eye. But she acknowledged not reporting the attack to police or seeking treatment for the injury until weeks later.

The jury acquitted Lenhart after deliberating two hours on Wednesday.

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