State police have charged two people in connection with an assault and strangulation on January 21st at a home in White Township.
Troopers say that at 6:30 PM on the 21st, they were called out to a domestic incident at a home at 141 Delores Circle. The incident started as a verbal argument and turned physical when police say 41-year-old Thomas Fry of Carnegie was scratched several times by 37-year-old Debra Hooker of Indiana. Fry then allegedly strangled Hooker before she ran to the bathroom and took a hammer with her to defend herself. When the situation calmed down, Hooker came out of the bathroom and Fry took the hammer from her. Both people left the home, but as Hooker tried to leave, Fry threw the hammer at her car and was able to get inside. Troopers arrived and apprehended both of them.
The investigation is on-going at this time. Both Hooker and Fry face charges of misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment, but Fry faces additional charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor criminal mischief-damaging property. Fry is currently in Indiana County Jail after failing to post $25,000 bail. Hooker is free on $500 bail. Both will have preliminary hearings before District Judge Robert Bell on February 5th.
