CLEARFIELD – A Woodland man accused of strangling a woman pleaded guilty Tuesday during plea and sentencing court.
Robert Aaron Lanager, 50, who was originally charged with a felony count of strangulation, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of strangulation and simple assault.
Judge Paul Cherry sentenced him to five months to one year in jail and two years consecutive probation. He was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and to have no contact with the victim or her family.
It was noted that Lanager has been incarcerated since the incident occurred on June 10 in Bradford Township.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the couple was arguing in the kitchen of their home about Lanager’s use of drugs. When she attempted to leave the kitchen, Lanager, who was lying on the floor, grabbed her leg in an attempt to keep her from leaving. She was able to pull free and run up the stairs.
She told police that Lanager caught up to her as he tackled her on the steps. He put his knee into her back causing her pain. He then put her in chokehold with her windpipe in the crook of his left arm. Lanager squeezed her neck intentionally, impeding her breathing and ability to speak, she reported.
Although she was having severe problems breathing, she was able to tell him that he was choking her to death. The victim said he let the pressure up just enough to allow her airway to clear. She then bit him.
After a few minutes, he let her up. She was able to get into the bedroom, where she locked the door and called police.
According to the report, one of the officers noted that the victim’s face was really red. He could also see a bite mark on Lanager’s left hand.
