Apr 8, 2013 2 min read

A North Strabane Township man was arrested Friday night by township police after he allegedly tried to strangle his girlfriend’s 16-year-old daughter during a confrontation at their home.

The girl told police Joshua Lee Smith, 38, of 100 Garden St., came home intoxicated and started yelling at her. He reportedly tried to hit her in the head with a laptop computer, but her mother intervened.

Smith then allegedly grabbed her by the neck with one hand. The 16-year-old reportedly hit him in the face, and he grabbed her with both hands around the neck, police said. She told police she thought she was going to lose consciousness.

The girl’s mother, Lori Seaman, 41, will be charged with disorderly conduct after she allegedly created a disturbance in one of the treatment rooms at Canonsburg General Hospital. Police said Seaman tried to take the girl before she was cleared. Seaman then allegedly started yelling obscenities, reportedly blaming the girl for the incident and yelling at police for making the situation worse, police said.

Smith was arraigned before District Judge Joshua Kanalis on charges of endangering the welfare of children, simple assault and harassment. He was placed in the Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for April 16 before District Judge Jay Weller.

The charge against Seaman will be sent by summons from Weller’s office.

Police will contact Washington County Children and Youth Services.