Cops say man forced way into home and stunned woman with taser

Man accused of Taser attack on stranger in Paradise Township waives hearing

Paradise Township, PA – A Salisbury Township man charged with randomly assaulting a woman inside her home using a Taser has waived his preliminary hearing, allowing the case to proceed to county court on multiple felony charges.

Benjamin Andrew Brinker, 34, of the 700 block of Azalea Lane, is accused of forcing his way into a home in the 200 block of South Belmont Road on the afternoon of August 19 and attacking a woman with a stun gun and his fists. The victim, who did not know Brinker, was struck in the chest near her heart by a Taser projectile and fell to the floor. She told police Brinker then punched her in the face before fleeing the scene.

Brinker waived his preliminary hearing on September 3 before Magisterial District Judge Raymond Sheller. He faces charges of burglary, aggravated assault, and use of an incapacitation device — all felony offenses.

According to investigators, Brinker approached the home and forced his way in through a partially opened door while holding the Taser. After the assault, the victim’s husband saw Brinker fleeing north on South Belmont Road just before 4 p.m.

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Pennsylvania State Police traced a cartridge cover left behind at the scene back to Brinker using serial numbers and purchase records provided by the Taser manufacturer. Authorities said he had also purchased additional cartridges just days before the incident. Surveillance video from the neighborhood captured Brinker walking away from his vehicle approximately 1,250 feet from the scene minutes before the attack.

Brinker remains held in Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $1.5 million bail. The District Attorney’s office requested the increased bail due to the severity and nature of the offense.

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Key Points

Benjamin Brinker waived his preliminary hearing on felony charges stemming from a Taser assault
The victim was shocked in the chest and punched inside her Paradise Township home
Investigators identified Brinker using serial numbers on a cartridge left at the scene

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

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