CLARION TWP., Pa. (EYT) — Additional details have emerged in the case of a Clarion man accused of strangling a woman during an altercation that recently occurred in Clarion Township.
Court documents indicate that 39-year-old Charles Zellefrow, of Clarion, was arraigned in Magisterial District Judge Duane L. Quinn’s office at 1:12 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, on the following charges:
- Strangulation — Applying Pressure to Throat or Neck, Felony 2 (two counts)
- Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
- Harassment — Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
According to a criminal complaint, Trooper Drayer, of the Clarion-based State Police, was dispatched to a domestic incident at a residence on U.S. 322 in Clarion Township around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 6.
According to the complaint, Trooper Drayer spoke to a known victim who stated that following a verbal altercation, Zellefrow had grabbed her by the throat and lifted her off the ground. The victim noted that she could not breathe.
The victim said that after she freed herself from Zellefrow’s grip and retreated to the living room, Zellefrow followed her and grabbed her by the throat and lifted her a second time, according to the complaint.
The victim reported that when she got free again, she left the residence and ran to a relative’s apartment nearby.
Trooper Drayer was informed that Charles Zellefrow had already fled the scene in his red Ford Ranger. He canvassed the area but was unable to locate Zellefrow at that time.
A warrant for Zellefrow’s arrest was subsequently issued.
Zellefrow was apprehended on Tuesday morning.
Unable to post $25,000.00 monetary bail, he remains lodged in the Clarion County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, October 16, with Judge Quinn presiding.
Zellefrow, a registered sex offender, was convicted on sexual assault charges in 2000 stemming from an incident in Rimersburg Borough.
