North Strabane man charged with assault
A North Strabane Township man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly assaulted his live-in girlfriend and would not allow her to leave their residence last week, just before leading township police on a chase into Allegheny County.
Brian Keith Washington, 34, of 507 Hickory Circle, was taken into custody when he was discharged after undergoing treatment at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Officer Nathan Terling was on patrol in the early hours of March 5 on Hill Church-Houston Road (Route 519) near the Interstate 79 northbound ramp when he received a report of an assault in which the suspect fled in a small black car.
Seconds later, Terling saw a small black car traveling at a high speed on Hill Church-Houston before making an abrupt turn onto I-79 northbound. The car accelerated quickly, passing a tractor-trailer that also was on the ramp.
Terling activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The car was traveling at a high speed, but at one point slowed enough so Terling could get a license plate number. He also recognized the car as one he saw in the lot at a Route 19 convenience store that was closed for the night. Police said Washington was the registered owner of the car.
When the suspect’s vehicle surpassed 100 mph, Terling backed off the pursuit and saw the car get off at the Kirwin Heights exit.
Terling went to Washington’s home and saw that the window blinds were torn and there was a large hole in the living room wall.
Washington’s girlfriend, Stacie Walls, later told police she and Washington were living together for the last eight months. Walls said earlier on the night of the car chase, Washington became angry and started shoving and punching her.
After the alleged assault, Washington reportedly would not let her use her cellphone to call for help and prevented her from leaving the residence.
She said she eventually was able to get outside, but Washington caught up with her, forced her into his vehicle and said he would take her to the hospital.
The two stopped at the closed convenience store where Terling spotted their vehicle before going to Sheetz. Washington reportedly told Wall to go inside and buy a pack of cigarettes.
While inside, she said she saw a Cecil Township police officer in uniform and asked for help.
The officer went outside, but Washington fled.
Walls, who had bruises and scratches on her face and neck, was treated at Canonsburg Hospital.
Police could not locate Washington until Monday, when they learned he was receiving medical treatment at Allegheny General.
This is not the first time Washington was accused of assaulting and restraining a girlfriend. In November, Washington pleaded guilty to simple assault, unlawful restraint and criminal trespass charges brought by East Washington police in connection with an incident last March. He was placed on probation.
In the latest case, Washington was arraigned before District Judge Jay Weller on charges of simple assault, false imprisonment, fleeing or attempting to elude police, harassment, reckless driving and speeding.
He was placed in Washington County jail on $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for March 17 before Weller.