Jahsiah Tahmir McLendon Underwood, 26, is charged with felony counts of aggravated assault and strangulation, misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment.
According to court documents filed by Frackville Borough Police, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of South Line Street around 9:24 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, for a reported disturbance.
Police were told that McLendon Underwood arrived at the residence and kicked in the front door to gain access. Once inside, he allegedly began arguing with another man who was at the residence with McLendon Underwood’s girlfriend.
The woman told police that McLendon Underwood threatened her with a knife, prompting her to run upstairs to a bedroom to hide. Police allege that he followed her, threatened her again and pushed her onto a bed.
McLendon Underwood then allegedly straddled the woman’s chest and grabbed her neck with both hands. The woman told police that she began losing her vision, had difficulty breathing and felt as though she was going to lose consciousness.
An officer reported observing red scratches on both sides of the woman’s neck that appeared consistent with pressure being applied.
Police said McLendon Underwood fled on foot before officers arrived but later returned to the residence and was taken into custody.
During an interview with police, McLendon Underwood allegedly admitted being involved in an altercation with the other man but denied strangling the woman. He reportedly told police that her injuries may have occurred while she was attempting to separate the two men.
McLendon Underwood was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli, who set bail at $25,000 monetary. Court records show he was committed to Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 2, 2026, before Tarantelli.