A Schuylkill County man was jailed last week after he allegedly choked a woman by pulling her by the hood on her sweatshirt.
Police in Saint Clair say there were called to an area behind the Elementary/Middle School at about 3 p.m. on Nov. 24. There, police say they spoke with a woman who said she’d been in an argument with Brian Morit Jr., 43, of Saint Clair, that became physical.
Morit Jr. allegedly grabbed the woman by the hood on her sweatshirt, which choked her. This left the victim gasping for air as she attempted to yell to a neighbor for help. She said that Morit Jr. also grabbed her forcibly by the arm during the argument.
Police say the victim had visible injuries about her neck and arm.
When confronted with the allegations made against him, Morit Jr. initially said the confrontation was verbal in nature. Later, however, police say Morit Jr. admitted to the argument becoming physical.
He was taken into custody and during a search at that time, police say they discovered about 4 grams of marijuana in his hoodie pocket.
A neighbor later confirmed the victim’s story about the nature of the altercation, police say.
Morit Jr. was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker and charged with felony strangulation, a misdemeanor count of simple assault, and a summary offense for harassment.
Kilker set bail at 10% of $25,000 and Morit Jr. was remanded to Schuylkill County Prison. Court records indicate he’s still behind bars awaiting a preliminary hearing, which has been continued from Dec. 2.
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