Feb 15, 2016 2 min read

A Burgettstown woman faces charges including assault and intimidation of witnesses for allegedly attacking a woman she believed gave McDonald police information that led to her arrest on drug charges earlier this month.

Erica Lynn Andrews, 34, of 1117 Main St., Burgettstown, is accused of assaulting a 31-year-old woman who was visiting her apartment early Saturday.

The Burgettstown woman told McDonald police she and a man were drinking at Andrews’ apartment Friday night.

She said she fell asleep but was awakened by a loud noise early Saturday when Andrews allegedly threw the woman’s cellphone against a wall, shattering the screen.

The woman said Andrews grabbed her by the hair and began punching her in the face and head. The woman told police that during the assault, Andrews yelled at her, telling her she went through her phone and that she was a snitch.

“You gave the police info, that’s why I got arrested. I know I’m going to jail. I’m going to blast you every time I see you,” Andrews allegedly told the woman.

The 31-year-old said she was able to get away from Andrews and gathered her clothes to leave, but was hit six more times before she was able to get out of the apartment.

Andrews and Chase Pelissero, 25, of Donora, were arrested Feb. 6 after McDonald police, with assistance from the Cecil Township K9 unit, served a warrant at Andrews’ apartment.

Police said they seized cocaine, crack, marijuana, paraphernalia and $1,365. Police said her arrest was the result of a yearlong investigation into Andrews’ alleged involvement in drug trafficking around the Burgettstown area. Police said they received a large number of complaints from residents about frequent drug activity involving Andrews. She was released from Washington County jail after posting $25,000 following that arrest.

Police indicated the 31-year-old was involved in the Feb. 6 investigation. Police said in arrest papers the 31-year-old woman also was charged with drug violations, but online court records show that no charges were filed as of Monday.

Andrews was arraigned before District Judge Joshua Kanalis on charges of intimidation of witnesses, simple assault, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and harassment.

She was placed in jail on $50,000 bond. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the assault and intimidation charges on Feb. 25 before District Judge Gary Havelka. The preliminary hearing on the drug charges is set for April 7 before Havelka.