Police in Pennsylvania arrested a man on the afternoon of Aug. 8 after he allegedly got drunk at a wedding and assaulted one of the guests. Initial reports suggest that the 36-year-old Elizabethtown man became enraged when a woman refused to hand over his car keys. After being taken into custody during a traffic stop, the man was transported to the York Country Prison for processing. His bail has been set at $50,000 according to media reports.
Police receive reports of a strangulation
Officers were dispatched to a location on Sechrist Road in Chanceford at approximately 5:47 p.m. to investigate reports of a possible strangulation. When they arrived at the scene, officers say that they identified the victim and learned that she had been assaulted during an argument over car keys. The man allegedly grabbed her by the throat and lifted her off the ground. They also learned that the 911 call had been made by a wedding guest who tried to intervene.
Man allegedly damages fence
The man had already left the scene when police arrived, but guests described his vehicle and pointed out damage he allegedly did to a fence as he departed. A Pennsylvania Highway Patrol trooper took the man into custody after noticing his car and initiating a traffic stop. He reportedly showed signs of intoxication including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and poor balance. He faces a raft of charges including counts of DUI, strangulation, assault, criminal mischief and resisting arrest. He also reportedly refused to provide a blood sample for toxicology testing and was rude to the arresting officer.
Remaining calm after an arrest
Experienced criminal defense attorneys may encourage motorists worried about drunk driving charges to act courteously toward law enforcement even if their situations seem dire. This is because many DUI cases are resolved with plea agreements, and negotiating favorable terms might be far more difficult if suspects have been obstinate or rude to police officers.
