FALLS CREEK, Pa. (EYT) – A Jefferson County man allegedly struck, shoved, and strangled a victim during a domestic dispute that occurred in Falls Creek on Friday, January 25.
According to court documents, on January 28, DuBois-based State Police filed the following criminal charges against 30-year-old Matthew Lee Welsh, of Falls Creek, in Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana’s office:
– Strangulation – Blocking the Nose and Mouth of the Person, Misdemeanor 2
– Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
The charges stem from a domestic incident that occurred at a residence on Church Street in Falls Creek Borough, Jefferson County. Troopers Bowser and Caputo, of DuBois-based State Police, were dispatched to the residence around 11:23 p.m. on January 25.
It was noted by dispatch that the two individuals involved were separated and that the complainant was located at a residence across the street.
According to a criminal complaint, the known victim told officers that she was in the upstairs bathroom taking a bath when Matthew Welsh kicked the bathroom door in and began to argue with her about leaving the residence earlier in the day.
The complaint states that the victim said Welsh had been drinking and had a beer in his hand. She said the verbal argument turned physical.
According to the complaint, Welsh allegedly struck, shoved, kicked, and grabbed the victim around the stomach area and applied pressure with his arms and then pushed the victim down onto the floor. He also reportedly blocked the nose and mouth of the victim with his arm as he had grabbed her from behind, and then he used his other arm to apply more pressure causing the victim to not be able to breathe.
No physical marks were observed on the victim, the complaint states.
When Trooper Bowser spoke to Welsh, he related that he only had two beers earlier that evening and didn’t remember the argument or anything that had taken place that evening, the complaint continues.
Welsh was arraigned at 8:35 a.m. on January 26 in front of Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock.
He is currently free on $25,000.00 on unsecured bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on February 21 with Judge Inzana presiding.
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