A Pottsville woman remains in Schuylkill County Prison after being arrested for allegedly assaulting and strangling another woman.
According to court papers filed by police in Pottsville, officers were called to 700 Mahantongo St. at about 8:40 p.m. on Sept. 9 for a reported domestic disturbance.
Police say the victim of the alleged assault said she was punched multiple times on her chest and head by Deborah Martier-Cinkaj.
The victim said Martier-Cinkaj then placed her hands around her throat to the point that she was unable to breathe.
Police say they observed bruising on both of the victim’s arms, her chest, and redness around her neck. EMS were called to the scene because the victim was displaying symptoms of substance abuse, including sweating profusely, her eyes rolling back in her head, involuntary body movements, and an inability to complete a full sentence.
The victim said she was apprehensive about providing statements to police because she didn’t want to get Martier-Cinkaj in trouble.
However, she did tell police that Martier-Cinkaj threw her out of the doorway of their residence, onto a balcony, and smashed her head off the porch.
Police say Martier-Cinkaj later said that she assaulted the victim because she threw a statue at her and failed to restrain the victim because she was out of control. Martier-Cinkaj denied any other contact with the victim, however.
Neighbors interviewed by police say they heard arguing and thumping through the course of that day.
One neighbor says they saw the women arguing and punching each on their porch. He said heard one of the women yell, “I’m going to kill you, bit**!” and “I got it on video!” and “I want my ring back!”
Police have charged Martier-Cinkaj with second-degree felony strangulation, misdemeanor simple assault, and a summary harassment charge.
She was arraigned before District Magistrate David Rossi on Sept. 9, who remanded her to prison on $25,000 bail. A Preliminary Hearing before District Magistrate James Reiley is scheduled for Oct. 7.
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