Franklin Man Accused of Body-Slamming Pregnant Woman During Domestic Incident

| July 20, 2017


OIL CITY, Pa.(EYT) – A Franklin man allegedly assaulted a pregnant woman during a domestic dispute on Tuesday morning in Oil City.

According to court documents, the Oil City Police Department filed criminal charges against 22-year-old, Joshua Mark Fornof, of Franklin.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Oil City Police Patrolman Ruditis, Venango County 911 dispatched officers to Washington Avenue for a domestic dispute at 11:49 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18.

When Patrolman Ruditis and Chief Bob Wenner arrived on the scene, “they could hear yelling and screaming from inside the residence.” They entered the residence and located Joshua Fornof and the victim in an upstairs bedroom area, the complaint states.

Both Fornof and the victim are known to officers from prior law enforcement-related matters, the complaint indicates.

Chief Wenner spoke with the victim while Patrolman Ruditis escorted Fornof to the front porch area of the residence.

While on the front porch area, Fornof stated he was going to jail. When asked what for, Fornof stated there is a current Protection from Abuse order in place that they were working on dropping. Fornof continued to state they were engaged in a verbal altercation and she punched him and pulled his hair, the complaint continues.

Fornof was then advised he was under arrest for simple assault domestic violence as well as the Protection from Abuse order violation, according to the complaint.

Patrolman Ruditis went upstairs to speak with the victim while Chief Wenner stayed with Fornof on the front porch area. The victim advised they were involved in a verbal dispute that turned physical. She stated that during the dispute, Fornof hit her in the head and face area. He then grabbed her and “body slammed” her onto a cardboard box containing various items. The victim is currently pregnant of approximately 20 weeks, the complaint states.

Fornof was arraigned at 1:45 p.m. on July 18 in Magisterial District Judge Andrew F. Fish’s office on the following charges:

  • Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
  • Disorderly Conduct Engage In Fighting, Misdemeanor 3
  • Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary

Unable to post $25,000 cash bail, he was lodged in the Venango County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on July 26 with Judge Fish presiding.


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