CRANBERRY TWP., Pa. (EYT) — Terroristic Threats and related charges have been filed against a Cranberry Township woman for allegedly threatening to burn down her house.
According to court documents, Franklin-based State Police filed the following criminal charges against 34-year-old Amanda Lillian Cowles, of Seneca, on November 13:
– Terroristic Threats Cause Evacuation Of Bldg Etc., Misdemeanor 1 (two counts)
– Harassment — Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
According to a criminal complaint filed on November 13 by Trooper Bingman, of PSP Franklin, this incident occurred at a private residence located on Heckathorn Church Road, in Cranberry Township, Venango County.
On October 1, Troopers Bingman and Owens were summoned to a residence on Heckathorn Church Road to speak to two children who had fled from their residence located nearby, according to the complaint.
Around 11:40 p.m., Trooper Bingman spoke with a known victim.
The victim stated that Amanda Cowles and a known male were fighting, and Cowles told the victim and the victim’s sister to get out of the house because she was going to burn it down. The victim added that she grabbed her school supplies and clothes and went outside when she saw Cowles carrying a gas can, the complaint states.
The victim reported that Cowles was threatening to burn down the house. The victim went back into the house, and Cowles grabbed her by the shirt and started to drag her along the floor, the complaint indicates.
The known male in the house stopped Cowles from dragging the victim. At this point, Cowles was on the floor and took off her boot and tried to throw it at her.
The victim said that she put the gas can behind the door and went upstairs. She called 9-1-1, but then Cowles took the phone and told the operator there was no problem there — just that the kids would not go to bed. Cowles then threw the phone onto the floor and put it in the sink. The victim and her sister then ran out of the house to the neighbors, according to the complaint.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on January 29, 2020, in Venango County Central Court with Magisterial District Judge Patrick E. Lowrey presiding.
