A Donaldson man is facing multiple felony charges, including assault of an unborn child and strangulation, following an alleged domestic assault that occurred earlier this week in Schuylkill County.
According to court documents filed by Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, Zachary Perkins, 21, of Donaldson, was arrested following an incident on May 4th, 2026 in Frailey Township.
State Police say troopers responded around 5:20 p.m. to the area of South Center Street for a reported active domestic incident involving Perkins and a woman identified in court documents.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the victim told police she had gone to retrieve belongings from a residence on East Broad Street in Hegins where Perkins had been staying. An argument allegedly turned physical, with Perkins accused of striking the woman and throwing her backpack.
Police allege the altercation escalated after the two returned to a residence on East Tremont Street in Tremont Borough. During the incident, Perkins allegedly smashed the victim’s phone, pushed her to the ground, placed his hands around her neck, and threatened to kill her and their unborn child.
Court documents state the victim, who told police she was approximately four weeks pregnant, reported being unable to breathe while Perkins allegedly applied pressure to her throat and neck. She further alleged Perkins stepped on her stomach and later dragged her through the residence by her feet.
The affidavit states the victim eventually escaped and contacted emergency services using another phone. She was transported by EMS to Lehigh Valley Hospital-East for evaluation, where troopers later interviewed her.
Police said the victim reported vomiting after the incident and was diagnosed with a concussion. An ultrasound was also performed, with medical staff reportedly advising the baby appeared healthy.
Perkins was interviewed by investigators later that evening after being advised of his rights. According to the affidavit, Perkins denied the allegations but admitted he “may have pushed her.”
Perkins has been charged with:
- Aggravated Assault of an Unborn Child
- Two counts of Aggravated Assault
- Terroristic Threats
- Strangulation
- Endangering the Welfare of Children
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person
- Simple Assault
- Criminal Mischief
- Unlawful Restraint
- Harassment
Perkins was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli and committed to Schuylkill County Prison on $100,000 straight cash bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 21st, 2026 before Magisterial District Judge Christian Lengel.