Joseph Richard Christman, 41, is charged with felony counts of strangulation and aggravated assault, along with false imprisonment, simple assault and harassment.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven were dispatched to a residence on Kings Lane in North Manheim Township at approximately 9:21 a.m. Sunday, August 23, for a reported active domestic incident.
The victim told police that he and Christman became involved in an argument on August 22. Police allege Christman became physical, pulled the victim into a bedroom and placed him in a chokehold, using his forearm to impede the victim’s breathing.
Later that day, Christman allegedly attached metal brackets to a bathroom door while the victim was inside, preventing him from leaving until the brackets were removed.
Police said another argument became physical the following day. Christman allegedly grabbed the victim from behind and used his forearm to impede his breathing for approximately one minute before the victim was able to free himself.
The investigating trooper reported observing redness around the victim’s neck.
According to the affidavit, Christman acknowledged that the altercation became physical and that he placed his arm around the victim’s neck. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Schuylkill Haven State Police barracks for processing.
Christman was unable to post $25,000 monetary bail set by on-call Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli and was committed to Schuylkill County Prison.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 1 before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek.