ROSE TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A 35-year-old man is facing strangulation and related charges after allegedly striking and choking a woman in a truck on Thursday evening on Interstate 80 in Rose Township.

According to DuBois-based State Police, around 5:12 p.m. on Thursday, December 13, 35-year-old Jason Lawhorn, of Goldsboro, N.C., and a known female victim engaged in a verbal argument that took place inside a truck at Exit 78 on Interstate 80 in Rose Township, Jefferson County.

Police say the argument turned physical when Lawhorn struck the victim in the nose and mouth. The victim then attempted to gather her belongings and exit the vehicle, but Lawhorn allegedly grabbed her by the throat, shoved her against the bed in the cabin, and began choking her.

The victim reported that when she expressed that he was going to suffocate her, Lawhorn replied “I don’t care,” according to police.

Lawhorn subsequently released the victim, and she then jumped out of the truck and contacted the police.

The victim was transported to Penn Highlands DuBois for her injuries.

The following charges were filed against Lawhorn in Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on Friday morning:

– Strangulation — Blocking the Nose and Mouth of the Person, Felony 2
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 1
– Harassment — Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary

Unable to post $12,000.00 monetary bail (10%), he was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.