A Philadelphia woman is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and related offenses, stemming from an arranged fight at Whistlestop Park in Montgomery Township in late November 2019.
Police said that on Nov. 30, 2019, a physical altercation occurred between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. along the unit block of County Line Road, which reportedly involved five women, as well as the parents of two of the women. The fight was reportedly preceded by an argument that two of the women had at their place of employment, according to the criminal complaint.
The report states that two of the females brought an expandable baton and a Taser to the fight, but neither was used during the altercation.
Investigators learned that after several unsuccessful attempts, the parents of two of the girls were able to break up the fight, and they departed the scene in two vehicles, the report states. As they were leaving, the father saw one of the other women—identified as 28-year-old Jennifer Ortega—racking a handgun in the parking lot and pointing it in the direction of his vehicle, according to the complaint.
Ortega then fired one shot, missing the occupants but striking the rear of the fleeing vehicle, police said.
Police recovered a 9mm shell casing from the parking lot the following day, and a records check confirmed that Ortega was the registered owner of a 9mm Beretta. Ortega was interviewed by police and later placed under arrest.
As a result of the investigation, Ortega has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault – attempt to cause serious bodily injury with extreme indifference and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, along with misdemeanor counts of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and summary counts of disorderly conduct.
Ortega was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Andrea Duffy, who set bail at $10,000 cash. Ortega posted bail on the same day and was released from custody. Her next court appearance is a formal arraignment at the Montgomery County Courthouse on March 11.
(Editor’s note: All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause, and reflects the point of view of the police. Should the defendant choose to issue a public statement, or is later found not guilty or has the charges dropped, we will update this article accordingly.)
See also:
Investigators Identify, Charge Man Accused Of Sexually Lewd Incident At Starbucks Parking Lot
Woman Charged Following Vulgar And Violent DUI Arrest In Montgomery Township
Man Arrested Following Scuffle With Police At Local Bar
Special Needs Child Saves Mother From Overdose By Dialing 9-1-1, Mother Charged With Felony
Suspected Felony Lane Gang Member Arrested By Hatfield Township Police
