A Berkeley Heights man claimed self-defense when police say he hit another man in the head with a beer bottle at a Morris Street bar Sunday.

Peter Meluso, 26, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon shortly before 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 18.

According to a report filed by Officer Jesse Dickerson, a patron at Grasshopper off the Green said he had been in a verbal altercation with Meluso, whom he claimed was harassing female patrons. The alleged victim said Meluso then picked up a 12-ounce beer bottle and hit him on the side of his head, according to the report. 

The alleged victim told Dickerson Meluso then attempted to leave the bar, but was stopped by security staff, according to the report.

A large laceration could be seen on the side of the alleged victim's head and there was blood on his face, but he declined to be transported by Morristown EMS to Morristown Medical Center. He instead went to the hospital with a friend, according to the report.

When confronted by police, Meluso said he had been assaulted by the other patron and hit him with the beer bottle in self-defense. Dickerson noted in his report there appeared to be no signs of injury to Meluso.

Meluso was processed and released pending a court appearance. He was placed on a trespass log by police for Grasshopper off the Green per request of the bar.

Both men appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the incident, according to the report.

For questions about this post, email john.dunphy@patch.com.