PINEY TOWNSHIP: A 54-year-old Sligo man is being held at the Clarion County Jail after Pennsylvania State Police allege he assaulted a woman during a domestic incident earlier this month in Piney Township.
According to court records filed by state police in Clarion, Timothy Leroy Potter, 54, faces multiple charges stemming from an incident that investigators say occurred during the early morning hours of February 4 at a residence along Belltown Road in Clarion County.
Potter has been charged with:
- Strangulation – Applying Pressure to Throat or Neck (Felony 2)
- Simple Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
- Harassment – Subjecting Another to Physical Contact (Summary)
Allegations Detailed In Criminal Complaint
State police allege the incident took place sometime between midnight and 3:AM on February 4th. The investigation began several days later, when a woman arrived at the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Clarion at approximately 5:40 PM on February 7th to report the alleged assault.
According to the criminal complaint, the woman told troopers that Potter returned home from work in an agitated state and began yelling. She told investigators that during the confrontation, Potter allegedly referred to her by the name of his deceased wife before grabbing her by the neck and choking her.
The woman reportedly told police she was unable to breathe during the alleged assault because her airway was obstructed.
Investigators further allege that Potter struck the woman in the back of the head with an unidentified object, causing her to fall. While she was on the ground, the complaint states that Potter poured kerosene on her.
The woman told troopers she was able to kick Potter, causing him to lose his balance. The two allegedly struggled again, during which time Potter is accused of choking her a second time. According to the complaint, she was ultimately able to break free after a dog bit Potter during the altercation.
Evidence Observed By Troopers
Police reported observing scratches on the woman’s arms and chest that were consistent with a physical struggle. The complaint also indicates she provided medical documentation showing she had been diagnosed with a concussion following the incident.
Court records note that the woman told investigators she and Potter had been in a relationship prior to the alleged assault.
Arraignment And Bail
Potter was arraigned on February 7th at 10:05 PM before Magisterial District Judge Jarah Lee Heeter. Bail was set at $10,000.00 monetary. Unable to post bail, Potter was remanded to the Clarion County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 17th at 1:15 PM before Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller.
The charges against Potter are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
🚨 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP IN PENNSYLVANIA
🆘 If You Are in Immediate Danger
📞 Call 911
☎️ National Domestic Violence Hotline
📱 Call or Text: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
💬 TTY: 1-800-787-3224
🌐 thehotline.org
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💜 Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV)
📞 1-800-932-4632 (1-800-932-INFO)
🌐 pcadv.org
Connects you to local shelters & advocates across PA
📲 211 Pennsylvania
📞 Dial 211
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Helps locate nearby crisis centers & community resources
🏠 What Advocates Can Help With:
✔ Emergency shelter
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