FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — A 34-year-old man is behind bars for allegedly choking a woman during a domestic dispute last week in Franklin.

A criminal complaint filed by Franklin City Police Patrolman Floor indicates that Albert Theodore Schmidt IV, 34, of Franklin, is facing the following charges:

• False Imprisonment, Felony 2 (3 counts)
• Strangulation — Applying Pressure to Throat or Neck, Felony 2
• Terroristic Threats W/ Intent To Terrorize Another, Misdemeanor 1
• Endangering Welfare of Children — Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Misdemeanor 1 (3 counts)
• False Imprisonment, Misdemeanor 2
• Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Unknown

On May 13, Patrolman Barnhill and Patrolman Young were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of 3rd Street for a report of a domestic dispute.

Upon police arrival, three children were found alone inside the home.

Police received a second call from the female victim a short time later, indicating that she was stranded at Kwik Fill on 15th Street.

The criminal complaint states that Patrolman Barnhill met the victim at Kwik Fill while Patrolman Young stayed at the residence with the children.

Upon Patrolman Barnhill’s arrival, Schmidt fled the scene.

The female victim and her children were then transported to the Franklin police station for safety reasons.

During an interview, the victim told police that Schmidt came to her house earlier that day uninvited and would not leave.

She told police that Schmidt grabbed her by the hair when she tried to leave the residence with her children.

Schmidt then allegedly punched and choked her, according to the criminal complaint.

He also allegedly told the victim “how easy it would be to make her disappear forever.”

The criminal complaint states that Schmidt continued to abuse the victim. At one point, Schmidt forced the victim into his truck and traveled to Kwik Fill to purchase cigarettes.

The victim told police that Schmidt, who was wanted by Venango County Probation, “got nervous that he would be seen” and left Kwik Fill prior to police arrival.

Schmidt was lodged in the Venango County Jail after failing to post $100,000.00 cash bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 24 at 1:30 p.m. with Magisterial District Judge Andrew F. Fish presiding.