A Pennsylvania man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly attacking a Bradford County woman and a state trooper in the Towanda area.
Pennsylvania State Police at Towanda identified the suspect as Joseph Caporusso, 36, of Meshoppen, Wyoming County.
The incident took place Dec. 29 at a residence on state Route 187 in Asylum Township, south of Wysox, state police said.
Responding troopers learned from the victim, a 44-year-old woman, that Caporusso had stopped at her home under the guise of being lost. The victim said she didn’t know her assailant, but gave a very detailed description of him and his vehicle to troopers, state police said.
Caporusso allegedly distracted the victim in her driveway and choked her until she slipped into unconsciousness. He then dragged her into the house and attempted to urinate on her, troopers said.
At that time, the victim regained consciousness and was able to break free from the suspect and flee the scene. Caporusso also fled the residence in his vehicle in the same direction as the victim before crashing, state police said.
After a short foot chase, troopers apprehended Caporusso and transported him to state police barracks for processing. During that procedure, state police say he kicked a trooper, causing a minor injury.
Local government Elmira City Council poised to pass 2025 budget that includes tax hike. What to know
Caporusso was arraigned by Magisterial District Justice Ryan Edsell in Wysox and committed to the Bradford County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500,000 bail for the initial strangulation charges, and $100,000 for the charge of assault against a law enforcement officer.
State police say additional charges of driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and eluding, and resisting arrest are pending.
Follow Jeff Murray on Twitter @SGJeffMurray. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Man jailed in Bradford Co. after allegedly attacking woman, trooper