State police in Cambria County have charged a Johnstown-area man, accused of disrobing a woman and then strangling and assaulting her during a domestic-related incident, according to a criminal complaint.
Troopers say during the early morning hours of March 5, police were dispatched to a residence along Main Street in Franklin Borough for a report of a physical domestic assault.
Troopers say they found the victim at a nearby residence, naked and wrapped in a blanket.
Authorities say the victim told police that she and the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Roy Hillegass, had been drinking together the night before.
According to the arrest affidavit, Hillegass and the victim began arguing after he accused her of having sex with another man.
Troopers say the victim attempted to hide from Hillegass in the bathroom, but investigators say he came in and dragged her to the ground, prior to stripping all of her clothes off of her.
Police say Hillegass then punched the victim in the face, grabbed her by the throat and threatened her.
Troopers say the victim managed to escape the residence, however, Hillegass then chased her down, tackled her and dragged her back into the home.
Police say the victim was able to escape a second time and fled to a nearby residence.
Troopers say they observed visible red marks around the victim’s throat and also noted that the victim could barely speak due to being choked.
The victim also reportedly had bruises on her head and face, and cuts on her feet from being dragged by Hillegass, the complaint states
Hillegass faces charges of strangulation, simple assault, harassment and making terroristic threats, according to online court documents.
Court dockets show that he has since posted bail and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 11.
