POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man faces assault, strangulation and theft charges after police say he attacked a woman during a domestic incident and left in her vehicle with her cellphone.
Pottsville Police identified the suspect as Jonah Beaver, 43, of Pottsville. South Whitehall Township Police later recovered the vehicle and took him into custody, according to Pottsville Police.
Police Respond to West Race Street
According to Pottsville Police, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of West Race Street at approximately 10:15 a.m. on , for a report of a reckless driver. EMS personnel reported seeing a black GMC Acadia traveling east at a high rate of speed.
Police said EMS personnel had been flagged down by the victim’s mother, who reported that she and her daughter needed help involving her daughter’s boyfriend.
The mother told police Beaver had stayed overnight at the residence. She said she heard a commotion upstairs and found her daughter crying after opening a bedroom door. Beaver allegedly came downstairs carrying the victim’s vehicle keys and left in her GMC Acadia.
Woman Reports Assault and Theft
Officers reported that the victim was visibly upset and had redness, swelling and bruising around her left eye, left arm and back.
The victim told police she and Beaver had been arguing about their relationship when he slapped her in the face while she was holding their 2-month-old daughter. She alleged that he then threw a drink on her before taking the baby from her arms and placing the child in a crib.
According to police, the victim said Beaver then shoved her into a closet, punched and kicked her, and threw clothing bins onto her. Officers said her visible injuries were consistent with her account.
The woman told police Beaver did not have permission to drive her vehicle and also took her cellphone. EMS treated her at the residence before transporting her to a hospital for further evaluation.
Vehicle Recovered in South Whitehall Township
After Pottsville Police entered the vehicle into a national database as stolen, South Whitehall Township Police reported recovering it and taking Beaver into custody.
According to Pottsville Police, South Whitehall authorities said Beaver would be processed and arraigned on separate charges of felony fleeing and eluding and receiving stolen property.
Charges Filed in Pottsville
Magisterial District Judge Reiley approved a Pottsville arrest warrant charging Beaver with:
- Aggravated assault related to domestic violence: First-degree felony.
- Strangulation related to domestic violence: Second-degree felony.
- Theft of movable property involving the vehicle: Second-degree felony.
- Theft of movable property involving the cellphone: First-degree misdemeanor.
- Simple assault related to domestic violence: Second-degree misdemeanor.
- Harassment by physical contact: Summary offense.
Police said Beaver would be arraigned on the Pottsville charges at a later date.
All charges are allegations. Beaver is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.