N. Bethlehem man accused of assaulting brother

A North Bethlehem Township man was arrested early Tuesday by state police on charges including strangulation after he allegedly assaulted his brother during a confrontation at their home.
Michael Willhoft, 27, of 337 Kinder Road, Scenery Hill, was stopped by a state police corporal on the ramp to Interstate 70 westbound at the Eighty Four exit after police were told he fled the house in a white pickup truck. Willhoft reportedly admitted getting into a fight with his brother but denied hurting him.
Troopers went to the home, where Cody Willhoft reported that he and his brother were eating in the basement when his brother started arguing with him about the grass and a stove.
Michael Willhoft allegedly came after his brother, putting his hands on his throat. Cody Willhoft told police that he tried to get away, but that his brother had his arm around his throat, and that he had trouble breathing. When Cody Willhoft got away, his brother allegedly told him he would kill him. Cody Willhoft said his brother also slammed his head onto the floor.
Michael Willhoft was arraigned before District Judge David Mark on charges of strangulation, terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, simple assault and harassment. He was placed in Washington County Jail on $50,000 bond. Willhoft is scheduled for a July 11 hearing before District Judge Curtis Thompson.