A Schuylkill County woman is facing a felony strangulation charge following a family disturbance earlier this month.
According to court documents, police in Shenandoah were called to a home on N. Gilbert St. on the afternoon of Sept. 6. Upon their arrival, police say they spoke with a juvenile witness who said that her father had splashed Martha Olayo, 43, with water.
Olayo allegedly responded by following the splasher onto the back porch and throwing a plate of food on him. This led to a verbal disagreement.
While those words were being exchanged, Olayo allegedly threw the empty plate at the man, hitting him.
The juvenile witness reportedly told police that she tried to stop the dispute but Olayo picked up the plate she’d just thrown and threw it at her, too. Olayo then grabbed the child by the throat and started choking her.
Police say the child had red marks and scratches on her neck.
Olayo was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David Plachko and charged with strangulation, a felony, as well as misdemeanor counts of simple assault and conspiracy to recklessly endanger another person. Police have also charged her with harassment.
Plachko set bail at $25,000 and Olayo was sent to Schuylkill County Prison. Court records show bail was posted the following day. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25 before Judge Anthony Kilker.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...