MONROE TWP., Pa. (EYT) — Authorities in Clarion County are searching for a man wanted on charges related to a violent assault in Clarion early Wednesday morning.

A criminal complaint filed at District Magistrate Duane Quinn’s office indicates 25-year-old Justin Lamar Harris, of Clarion and formerly of Oil City, is wanted on the following charges:

• Strangulation — Applying Pressure to Throat or Neck, Felony 2
• Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
• Harassment — Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary

The charges stem from a domestic dispute that occurred at a residence along South 2nd Avenue around 5:25 a.m.

Clarion-based State Police Troopers Knight and Norris were dispatched to the residence and made contact with the female victim inside an upstairs bedroom.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim complained of back pain and discomfort in her right eye. Police observed bruising around her throat and multiple red marks on her body.

The victim told police that she got into a verbal argument with Justin Harris that quickly turned physical.

The criminal complaint states the victim told police that Harris grabbed her by the throat, pinned her to the bed, and choked her to the point that she nearly lost consciousness.

She said the altercation continued downstairs where Harris repeatedly slammed her head off of a bookshelf, according to the criminal complaint.

Harris then fled the scene in an unknown direction.

Sergeant Scott Bauer, the station commander of the Clarion barracks, said troopers are actively searching for Harris and he encourages the public to come forward with any information that will lead to the arrest of Harris.

Anyone with information on Harris’ whereabouts is urged to contact Clarion-based State Police at 814-226-1710.