Lancaster Man Faces Charges of Strangulation
On May 22, 2024, Austin M. Kitch, a 25-year-old resident of Lancaster, PA, was charged with one count of strangulation and one count of simple assault. The charges stem from a violent incident that occurred in the first block of Echo Valley Ln, Manheim Township.
According to police reports, the altercation began after a heated argument between Kitch and the victim, who has not been identified. The dispute escalated when the victim attempted to kick Kitch out of the house. Following the eviction, the victim stepped outside to return a shirt to Kitch, which is when the situation turned violent.
The victim reported that Kitch grabbed them upon receiving the shirt. In an effort to escape, the victim pushed Kitch, who responded by punching the victim in the right arm and then grabbing their throat. Kitch allegedly pushed the victim against a door, impeding their breathing. In self-defense, the victim punched Kitch and managed to break free, although Kitch grabbed their left forearm during the scuffle.
The physical confrontation left the victim with a deep purple bruise on their right bicep and two smaller bruises on their left forearm. Kitch admitted to the altercation and acknowledged that he was responsible for the bruises on the victim's forearm.
Following the incident, a criminal complaint was filed, leading to Kitch's arraignment. He was released on an unsecured bail of $50,000. It is important to note that Kitch is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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