OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) — An Oil City man is facing criminal charges for allegedly striking a foster child in the face, causing severe bruising and a split lip.

Court documents indicate the Oil City Police Department filed criminal charges against 32-year-old David Joseph Mock Jr..

According to a criminal complaint, on the evening of March 2, David Joseph Mock Jr. struck a juvenile foster child on the left side of his face with an open hand, causing the victim to suffer severe bruising to the side of the face and neck area, as well as a cut to the inside of the lower lip. The child is listed as “less than 12 years old.”

The bruising was observed by the victim’s teacher at Hasson Elementary School on March 3, and the child was taken to the nurse. The child then disclosed that Mock had struck him in the face, causing the bruising and cut lip. The staff then reported the incident as mandated reporters.

A forensic interview was then conducted by certified staff at Venango County Children and Youth Services (CYS) with the victim on March 12. During the interview, the victim again stated he was struck on the face by Mock.

Sr. Patrolman Culp, of the Oil City Police Department, filed the following charges against Mock in Magisterial District Judge Patrick E. Lowrey’s office on Tuesday, May 26:

– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2 (two counts)

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, in Venango County Central Court with Judge Lowrey presiding.