South Strabane man charged in kidnapping attempt
South Strabane Township police arrested a man after he was accused of attempting to abduct a woman Monday morning.
Jose Carmen Zaragoza, 48, of South Strabane, faces felony charges of attempted kidnapping, strangulation and flight to avoid apprehension.
According to the criminal complaint, police were called to the parking lot of Giant Eagle at the Strabane Square shopping center shortly before 10 a.m.
Zaragoza’s ex-girlfriend told police they had agreed to meet there to discuss “upcoming court proceedings.” Zaragoza is accused of approaching the woman with a roll of duct tape and attempting to forcibly remove her from her vehicle while saying, “you’re coming with me.”
Charging documents allege that Zaragoza began choking her with both hands. He also covered her mouth and nose with his hands when she called for help, according to the complaint.
Witnesses tried to intervene and Zaragoza fled in his pickup truck. A witness was able to take a picture of the vehicle.
Police observed scratches and swelling on the woman’s arm and neck.
Zaragoza also faces a misdemeanor charge of simple assault.
He was arraigned Monday night before District Judge Gary Havelka, who sent him to the Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. May 14.