According to court documents and an affidavit of probable cause, troopers were dispatched to a residence on Pleasant Run Road in West Brunswick Township around 11:10 p.m. on June 5 for an active domestic incident.
Police identified the accused as Shykir Naeem Bethea, 28, of Orwigsburg.
Investigators say the victim told troopers she had been upstairs attempting to put the couple's three-week-old child to sleep when Bethea became upset after seeing messages on her phone. An argument reportedly ensued after Bethea accused her of speaking with another man.
According to the affidavit, Bosack told police Bethea grabbed her by the throat and applied pressure for approximately five seconds while she was holding the infant. She said she was unable to breathe during the incident.
Police said Bosack attempted to move downstairs to get away from Bethea, but he followed her. She reported being pushed to the ground while still holding the baby. Authorities said Bosack was able to prevent the infant from being injured.
The affidavit states that when Bosack attempted to leave, Bethea allegedly bit her arm. She reportedly scratched his face in self-defense. Police said Bethea then grabbed the victim's right arm several times and began packing his belongings. Before leaving the residence, he allegedly attempted to take the child with him, but Bosack prevented him from doing so.
Troopers later made contact with Bethea in Minersville around 11:38 p.m. and requested that he return to the residence to provide his side of the story. According to the affidavit, he told police he would return but never did.
Investigators observed a red mark on the victim's neck, and she later completed a victim witness statement, according to the affidavit.
Bethea was charged with:
- Endangering the Welfare of Children (Felony 1)
- Strangulation (Felony 2)
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Misdemeanor 2)
- Simple Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
- Harassment (Summary)
Court records show Bethea was arraigned on June 8 and bail was set at $15,000. After initially being unable to post bail, he was released on June 9 after a surety bond was posted. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 23 before Magisterial District Judge Casimir Kosciolek.