Jan 27, 2014 2 min read

A North Strabane Township man wanted by Canonsburg police for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend and forcing his way into her home last week was taken into custody Saturday morning after again allegedly breaking into her residence.

Lawrence Patterson, 20, of 772 S. Central Ave., was found hiding in a hallway closet at the Valley View Terrace home of Shaelyn Saunoras.

Police were called about 6:15 a.m. for a report of a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, officers found the door apparently forced open. Haeleah Anderson, 18, of Washington, was found inside sitting on the couch. Police said she appeared to be nervous or scared. She told police Saunoras was upstairs.

Saunoras, who was visibly upset when she came down the stairs, had a black eye and red marks on her body. When police asked her if Patterson was responsible for the marks, she indicated he was upstairs.

Police ordered Patterson to show himself. When he did not, police found him hiding in the closet. When Patterson did not come out, police grabbed his wrist, and he resisted efforts by police to take him into custody.

Saunoras told police that when she and her friend returned home the previous night, they found Patterson sleeping in a bed. She said he again had forced his way into her home.

On Jan. 20, Patterson punched Saunoras in the face and dragged her down the stairs of her home. When she tried to call police, he allegedly grabbed her cellphone and threw it against a wall. He also allegedly stole $200 from her.

The following day, Patterson reportedly forced his way into her home by kicking in the door.

He then went to the second floor, grabbed an unknown item and left.

Borough police obtained the warrant Friday from District Judge David Mark on charges aggravated assault and harassment. Patterson was arraigned on those charges before District Judge Gary Havelka and placed in Washington County jail on $10,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 2 before Mark.