Pennsylvania State Police are actively searching for William DePetris, a 38-year-old man from Newport Borough, who is accused of strangling a five-year-old child during a domestic incident in Tyrone Township. The incident reportedly took place on Shermans Valley Road around 9:45 p.m. on January 15.
An arrest warrant has been issued for DePetris, who faces charges of strangulation and endangering the welfare of a child. According to an affidavit of probable cause, DePetris allegedly grabbed the child by the neck and pushed him onto a bed. A witness intervened, pushing DePetris off the child, which led to a physical altercation where the witness was slapped and punched, resulting in a cut lip.
The child reportedly told police that DePetris "tried to choke him and tried to kill him," stating that he was unable to breathe during the incident. The affidavit also mentions that DePetris claimed the child was choking his sister prior to the altercation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on DePetris' whereabouts to contact the State Police Newport at 717-567-3110. The case remains under investigation, and DePetris is awaiting his preliminary hearing.