Police to obtain warrant in assault
Notice: Undefined variable: article_ad_placement3 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/single.php on line 128
Washington police are obtaining an arrest warrant for a Washington man accused of assaulting his estranged girlfriend Monday.
Wilco McClain, 20, of 485 N. Franklin St., faces charges including aggravated assault for allegedly punching and kicking 19-year-old Rodnea Long of Washington. Long told police the assault happened in an alley near of Maiden and South Main streets, but a man claiming to have witnessed the assault told police it happened behind McClain’s home.
Police were called to the apartment of Long’s mother, where they found the alleged victim. She told police she and McClain got into a fight in the alley. McClain allegedly took a baby from her and then punched and kicked Long. Police said Long had multiple injuries, including an eye that was almost swollen shut. They said she had difficulty standing. Long was not sure if she lost consciousness and had difficulty remembering what happened. She was taken to Washington Hospital for treatment and later transferred to a Pittsburgh hospital.
When police went to McClain’s home looking for him and the baby, a man told police he witnessed the assault and that it happened behind 485 N. Franklin. The man said he was not sure of the whereabouts of McClain and the baby.
Police also talked with McClain’s mother and sister. The mother brought the baby to the station, and the infant was turned over to Long’s mother. Washington County Children and Youth Services was notified as to who has custody of the baby. Police checked several places but were not able to locate McClain Monday.
McClain is awaiting trial stemming from two previous incidents involving Long. He was arrested in late December by city police on charges including simple assault and harassment for allegedly confronting her at work because he was angry that he had to watch their child. In March, city police charged him with terroristic threats after he allegedly threatened her during an argument at the residence they once shared. Police said he made a makeshift barricade when officers went to the second floor to talk with him.