YOUNG TWP., Pa. (EYT) – Police say a Jefferson County man has been arrested for the assault and rape of a local woman.
According to a report released by Trooper Weaver of the Punxsutawney State Police Crime Unit, on Saturday, March 16, Punxsutawney-based State Police were dispatched to the report of an assault which allegedly took place between the hours of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, and 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at a location along Timber Lane in Young Township, Jefferson County.
According to police, the victim, a known Punxsutawney woman, reported that 33-year-old Shawn Smith, of Punxsutawney, took her from her residence utilizing her own vehicle, then while driving recklessly, made threats to her indicating “they were both going to die that evening.”
The victim told police that she made several attempts to exit the vehicle, but Smith allegedly “grabbed her by her throat and tried to break her neck.” He then drove the vehicle to his father’s residence, located on Timber Lane in Young Township, and took her to the basement where he allegedly threatened the victim with a shotgun.
Police note in the release that Smith is not permitted to possess a firearm due to a felony record.
The victim also stated that Smith then got on top of her and began to choke her with both hands, twisting her head in another attempt to break her neck, and then forcefully sexually assaulted her, according to police.
She was transported to Punxsutawney Area Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and then underwent a sexual assault evaluation.
According to police, a search warrant was secured and a perimeter around the Timber Lane residence was established.
Police say Smith fled from the rear of the residence and was apprehended by Punxsutawney-based State Police troopers after his attempt to flee.
He was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail on multiple state parole warrants.
According to police, the following charges will be filed through at Magisterial District Judge Douglas Chambers’ office in Punxsutawney:
- Rape
- Aggravated Assault (two counts)
- Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (two counts)
- Sexual Assault
- Aggravated Indecent Assault (two counts)
- Strangulation (two counts)
- Persons Not to Possess/Use/Manufacture Firearms
- Terroristic Threats
- Unlawful Restraint
- Simple Assault (four counts)
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person
- Indecent Assault (two counts)
Smith is awaiting arraignment.
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