YMCA Sauna Scuffle Over Cellphone Leads To Assault Charge For Fredericksburg Man

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A 48-year-old Fredericksburg man is facing an assault and battery charge following a fight inside a YMCA sauna over a cellphone Friday night, according to authorities.

Stafford County sheriff's deputies responded just before 9 p.m. to investigate the report of a disturbance at the YMCA located at 212 Butler Road in Fredericksburg.

"Information was provided that a physical altercation occurred between two parties regarding a cellphone in the sauna," according to the incident report. "The victim reported that they used the cellphone for a timer when the suspect began arguing with them over the center’s policy. The suspect then reportedly grabbed the victim’s phone, and when the victim stood up, the suspect pushed them backwards, causing them to fall."

A witness confirmed the victim's story and the suspect, identified as David Lemke of Fredericksburg, admitted that he did push the victim, according to the sheriff's office.

After Lemke was arrested and charged with assault, he was released on an unsecured bond, according to the report.