PENN TWP — Police say that a township man beat his girlfriend so badly that she ended up with serious head and facial injuries.

Brian Lee Rezzetano, 44, faces felony assault and other charges in the suspected case of domestic violence Friday at the victim's home on Route 8 in Penn Township.

Rezzetano is being held in the Butler County Prison on $50,000 bail.

Penn Township police were called Friday night to UPMC Passavant Cranberry where the alleged victim, Karen Peretin, had showed up for treatment of injuries, according to court documents.

She told investigators that she and the defendant had returned to her apartment earlier that morning after drinking at a local bar. They got into an argument during which her boyfriend punched and damaged the front door.

Later, she said, Rezzetano delivered a series of elbow strikes to her head and face. She believed she was struck “at least 15 times,” according to a police affidavit, and at one point may have lost consciousness.

She noted that in August she had undergone abdominal vascular surgery and had since been taking blood thinners. She said her boyfriend was aware of her condition.

During the alleged beating, Peretin also suffered defensive wounds when she tried to block the attack with her arms.

She eventually retreated to the bathroom, documents said, but the suspect followed her there and threatened to kill her.

Peretin said she did not immediately call 911 or leave the apartment for fear that might further antagonize the defendant She said they went to bed. After awakening, she went to the hospital.

Police said the victim's medical records showed she suffered internal eye hemorrhage and a ruptured eardrum. She also had bite marks to the left arm and hand.

Rezzetano is charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, simple assault, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.

His preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday at the office of District Judge Sue Haggerty in Saxonburg.