JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – A Reynoldsville man who reportedly choked a woman, then got into an altercation with police who arrived to investigate the incident waived his hearing in court on Tuesday.
Court documents indicate the following charges against 21-year-old Nicholas Thomas Decastro were waived for court on September 29:
– Strangulation – Blocking the Nose and Mouth of the Person, Felony 2
– Disarming Law Enforcement Officer – Without Lawful Authorization, Felony 3
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
– Disorderly Conduct Engage In Fighting, Misdemeanor 3
– Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
The charges have been transferred to the Jefferson County Jail.
Decastro remains lodged in the Jefferson County Jail on $20,000.00 monetary bail.
The charges stem from an incident in Reynoldsville Borough on September 4.
Details of the case:
According to a criminal complaint, around 7:26 p.m. on September 4, DuBois-based State Police were dispatched to a residence on Brown Street in Reynoldsville Borough, Jefferson County, for a report of an active domestic altercation.
A known witness reported that Decastro and a known victim were arguing and pushing each other all day.
Police then made contact with Decastro in the yard of the residence.
The complaint states that the troopers observed an unknown black or blue object in Decastro’s right hand and noted his pockets appeared to contain something. He was then ordered to drop the item he was holding and open the gate.
Decastro refused to drop the item or open the gate. One of the troopers then jumped over the wooden fence and grabbed Decastro’s right arm in an attempt to detain him. Decastro began flexing his arm and pulling away and was then advised he was under arrest, according to the complaint.
Decastro reportedly continued to resist and pushed the trooper, causing both of them to fall through the fence. Decastro was then taken to the ground by two of the troopers while a third came to assist. He continued resisting and attempted to get up and was advised that if he continued, he would be tased, the complaint indicates.
While Decastro still continued to resist, he was then placed in handcuffs without the troopers having to resort to further measures.
Police then spoke to the victim.
The victim reported that she and Decastro had been arguing all day. She said that he took her keys, grabbed her by the throat, and threw her to the ground. She said she was screaming, and he then placed his hands around her neck and over her face and mouth, causing her to have difficulty breathing, according to the complaint.
The troopers observed red marks on the victim’s neck and redness swelling on the left side of her face, the complaint notes.
Decastro was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana at 8:05 a.m. on September 5.
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
