LEBANON, Pa. — A Lebanon man is facing significant prison time after being convicted of aggravated assault for violently attacking a bartender at a local bar last year, according to the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office.
Ricardo Berrios Hernandez, 28, was determined guilty by a jury on April 23, following a tumultuous incident that unfolded at the Downtown Lounge on June 12, 2024. During a night marked by escalating tensions, Hernandez reportedly began acting aggressively toward the bartenders and other staff. When staff members intervened and asked him to leave, he became combative and physically assaulted several female employees. One bartender was struck with such force that it resulted in a broken jaw, described by the district attorney as “shattered.”
The impact of the attack was severe, requiring the victim to undergo surgery, with her jaw still wired shut as she recuperates from her injuries. This brutal incident not only left the victim physically harmed but also traumatized her and her colleagues.
After fleeing the scene, Hernandez attempted to elude law enforcement by changing his clothes and escaping to Chicago. However, he was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and extradited back to Pennsylvania, where he faced justice for his actions.
Hernandez’s criminal history includes prior convictions for robbery in both Illinois and Lebanon County, which raised concerns about his pattern of violent behavior. District Attorney Pier Hess Graf expressed relief at the conviction and emphasized the importance of accountability. “The defendant tried to assert a self-defense claim, but the jury was able to see through that assertion and recognize it for what it was—a brutal attack on a woman simply performing her job,” Graf stated.
As the young victim continues to heal, her experience sheds light on the broader issue of violence against service workers, a situation that has gained increasing attention in recent years. The conviction reinforces a commitment to protecting those in vulnerable positions in the hospitality industry.
Graf reiterated the court’s responsibility in dealing with repeat offenders, asserting that individuals like Hernandez, who resort to violence, deserve to face the full extent of legal consequences. The case underscores the community’s resolve to ensure that such acts of violence do not go unpunished and highlights the need for ongoing support for victims as they navigate the aftermath of traumatic experiences.