Man Arrested for Allegedly Throwing Knife at Roommate

A Patton Township man is in custody after allegedly throwing a large knife at his roommate.

The incident happened at 100 Kenley Ct. just after 11 p.m. on Monday.

The suspect, identified in court documents as 33-year-old Robert Balmforth, is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

According to a criminal complaint, Balmforth threw a large butcher-style knife at a female roommate who then called police.

Officers say the woman had recently moved into the apartment, joining Balmforth and a third roommate. The woman had gone to the store and when she returned, discovered a television and VCR had been taken from her room. The woman knocked on Balmforth’s door. When he opened the door, Balmforth reportedly had a large butcher-style knife in his hand and began to throw it in her direction.

The woman told police she slammed the door shut as the knife struck the door.

Officers who responded to a call for help say Balmforth admitted taking the TV and VCR but denied having a confrontation with his roommate.

Police say Balmforth appeared to be under the influence and had trouble focusing on the conversation and difficulty with his balance while standing.

According to the criminal complaint, police found a large knife lying in a bathtub located near the bedroom door as well as marks on the door and a nearby wall.

Investigators say the suspect later admitted that there was a confrontation and that he yelled at his roommate — and eventually told officers that he did throw the knife but did not intend to harm the woman.

According to the Centre County Correctional Facility, Balmforth remains in custody on $30,000 bail.