Burgettstown man facing assault charges
A Burgettstown man was arrested Friday and a warrant issued for a second man accused of holding a man against his will at a Smith Township home that morning.
David P. Smith, 49, of 6 Spring Drive, along with a man identified as “Hillbilly,” are accused of holding Wade Keith, 30, against his will until his girlfriend gave the men money.
Keith told Smith Township police he was walking to Rotolini’s Market in Langeloth about 7:15 a.m. when Hillbilly called him over to his house across the street from the market.
When Keith went onto the porch, “Hillbilly” grabbed one arm while Smith allegedly grabbed the other and forced Keith into the house. The two men then placed Keith on a chair in the living room.
Keith was ordered to “call his old lady to get money.” Court documents indicate a call was placed to 828 John St., with an operator on the line.
When the girlfriend, identified in court records only as Donna, answered the telephone, Keith told her “Hillbilly” wanted $75 or he was going to hurt him.
She girlfriend said she would try and get the money. She then went to the house in Langeloth and handed over the cash.
During the ordeal, Keith said they also threatened to cut his throat with a knife.
Smith was arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward on charges of unlawful restraint, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. He was placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond.
District Judge Gary Havelka issued the warrant for the other suspect Monday.