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7/1/2008 3:33 AM

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By Kathie O. Warco

Staff writer

kwarco@observer-reporter.com

The girlfriend of one of the suspects wanted in connection with last month's slashing of a Honduran immigrant has been charged by South Strabane Township police.

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LaKeisha M. Catlin, 20, of 105 Church St., Washington, was charged Monday by township police with hindering apprehension for refusing to disclose the whereabouts of Richard Pruden of Washington.

Pruden and Trey Willis, 22, of Washington, are accused of slashing the throat of Gabriel Bonilla during an incident June 14 in the parking lot of Motel 6. The 42-year-old had been staying at the motel while working on a construction project off Meadowlands Boulevard, North Strabane Township.

During a preliminary hearing last week before District Judge Jay Weller, Willis was identified by Bonilla as the man who slashed his throat. Bonilla said Pruden punched him in the face. Bonilla lost a large amount of blood in the attack.

Pruden, 23, was charged by South Strabane police with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault, robbery and criminal conspiracy.

South Strabane police Detective John Bruner said police learned that Catlin had helped Pruden leave the Washington area. Police talked to her mother, who expressed concern for her daughter's safety.

Police say Catlin, during an interview with Bruner, admitted to knowing that Pruden was involved in the assault and that her boyfriend had other outstanding warrants. She also reportedly admitted to driving Pruden to a house in Pittsburgh. Police say Catlin refused to give any information about where she took him or his current location.

Bruner said she told him, "He had the warrants, not me. Therefore, I can't get in any trouble." She reportedly told Bruner to stop calling her and her mother and said, "Where I took him is my business, not yours."

"Helping a wanted felon escape is a crime," Bruner said. "And it is a crime we take very seriously."

Willis was ordered held for court last week on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault, robbery and criminal conspiracy. He remained in Washington County Jail on $500,000 bond.

The charge against Catlin will be sent by summons from the office of District Judge Jay Weller.

Anyone who has information on Pruden's whereabouts or who has seen Catlin with Pruden is asked to call township police at 724-225-8111.

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