A Schuylkill County man faces criminal charges after police say he grabbed a 16-year-old girl by the throat and shoved her during a dispute late last month.
Lazerath Yakimo, 37, was taken into custody at about 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 following the alleged incident at a residence in East Norwegian Township.
Police in Saint Clair say they were first dispatched to the home shortly after 6 p.m.
A woman at the scene told police that Yakimo was “extremely intoxicated” and had been drinking since the morning. She alleged that Yakimo grabbed the 16-year-old by the wrist and throat.
The teenager reportedly told police she had gone outside with Yakimo to ensure he did not tamper with a vehicle, stating he had done so in the past. She reported that during the interaction, Yakimo grabbed her by the wrist and throat and shoved her away.
A witness who was sitting in a vehicle outside the residence reportedly told police she saw the teen walking behind Yakimo. The witness said she observed Yakimo shove the girl, causing her to fall backward.
Police say injuries on the teenager were consistent with the statements, including “nail-like marks” and a large red abrasion on her left forearm, as well as a small red abrasion on her neck.
Yakimo reportedly fled the scene in a red Tesla Model Y with a “Rick and Morty” sticker on the rear window.
Officers were dispatched back to the residence at about 7:30 p.m. after Yakimo reportedly returned. Police say they patrolled the area and located Yakimo in his parked vehicle at Thwing St. and Port Carbon Saint Clair Highway.
Yakimo was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor of endangering the welfare of children, a second-degree misdemeanor of simple assault, and a summary count of harassment.
Bayer set bail at $10,000 unsecured. Yakimo is due in District Court in Port Carbon for a preliminary hearing on March 3.
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