State police in Centre County say a New York man is behind bars, accused of publicly assaulting and choking a woman while passing through the area.
Troopers say 34-year-old Courtney Griswold is being held in Centre County Prison on charges of strangulation, assault, harassment and resisting arrest, according to online court records.
Police say on Sunday afternoon, troopers were dispatched to the area of Ingram’s Gas Station, in Walker Township, after a witness reported seeing a man physically assault and choke a woman in the parking lot.
Investigators say a short time later, a responding trooper made contact with the suspect vehicle, at which time a man, later identified as Griswold, reportedly “jumped” from the vehicle and led troopers on a brief foot pursuit.
According to the affidavit, the brief pursuit led to one of the troopers suffering a laceration to his arm.
Police say once Griswold was taken into custody, troopers interviewed the victim, who told authorities that he had punched her in the face and the back of the head while they were driving.
Troopers say the victim continued to explain that while they were stopped at the gas station, Griswold slapped her in the face and grabbed her by the neck.
Police say multiple witnesses at the gas station corroborated the victim’s claims.
Griswold’s bail was denied and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 2.
