An Altoona man is in custody following allegations that he assaulted a woman at her city home, slashed her with a knife, and set her clothes on fire during a dispute over a cell phone. Arrested and charged was 45-year-old Martin Lear Jr. Reportedly, the incident began Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday morning. Lear has been charged with felony robbery and arson, and has been placed in the Blair County Prison in lieu of bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 31st.
Sunday 8th March 2026
