Clarion man held on strangulation charge

By BRETT R. WHITLING
Clarion News writer

A 39-year-old Clarion man faces charges after he allegedly twice attempted to strangle a woman.

Charles Zellefrow

Charles Aaron Zellefrow is charged with two counts of strangulation, a second-degree felony; simple assault, a second-degree misdemeanor and a summary charge of harassment at 8:15 p.m. Oct. 6 in Clarion Borough.

State police Tpr. Ryan Drayer was dispatched to U.S. Route 322 in Clarion Township for a report of domestic violence.

The complainant allegedly said she and Zellefrow had just left the scene in his truck prior to Drayer arriving.

The woman allegedly said they were coming home from town when they got into a verbal altercation.

Zellefrow allegedly told the woman he was ready to go back to prison.

When the two got home, the woman walked into the bedroom just before Zellefrow grabbed her by the throat and lifted her off the ground.

The woman allegedly said she could not breathe but was able to free herself from Zellefrow’s grip and went to the living room.

Zellefrow allegedly followed her and again, grabbed her by the throat and lifted her off the ground.

When the woman got free, she left the apartment and went to her daughter’s apartment upstairs where she called state police.

Zellefrow was eventually located by state police and is being held at the Clarion County Jail.