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Accompanied by his attorney, Steven Schaffel turned himself in last night after leaving town following the June 17 incident, Hackensack Police Director Michael Mordaga said.
The victim, who recovered from her injuries, was having drinks with friends at the Bel Posto restaurant on Prospect Avenue when Schaffel got up from where he was sitting, passed by and ignited her hair, Mordaga told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
Fellow patrons quickly snuffed the flames — some using placemats — while Schaffel ducked out, the police director said.
“According to her, the two had had disagreements and disputes in the past,” Mordaga said.
Investigators interviewed several witnesses but couldn’t find Schaffel, who’d left the state, he said.
City police last night charged him with aggravated assault after he turned himself in, the police director said. He then posted $10,000 bail and was released pending a Municipal Court hearing.
MUGSHOT: Courtesy HACKENSACK PD
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