Cal U. student accused of choking, assaulting fellow student
A sophomore at California University of Pennsylvania was arrested Tuesday by university police on a warrant obtained earlier in the day accusing him of choked and assaulting a woman who is a freshman at the school.
Michael Nichols Cummings, 19, of 332 Commodore Drive, North Fayette Township, is charged with strangulation, aggravated assault, simple assault, domestic violence, harassment and disorderly conduct for the alleged assault early Saturday. The woman contacted police about the assault Sunday morning, after talking to a member of the school’s staff.
Cummings is accused of grabbing the woman’s arms and throwing her to the ground in his dormitory room. He also allegedly shoved her in the back of the neck area. He also allegedly threw her onto a bed and choked her by putting his forearm across her throat.
The woman told police she had once dated Cummings, but he was reportedly getting more abusive. The two had reportedly been at a party with other students when he started yelling at the woman. When her girlfriend defended her, Cummings reportedly pushed her to the ground. The girlfriend’s boyfriend then reportedly got into a confrontation with Cummings on the street. The students then returned to the dormitory, where the alleged assault occurred.
The office of student conduct is addressing the situation, said Christine Kindl, associate vice president of communications and public relations at Cal U.
Cummings was arraigned before District Judge David Mark and released from Washington County jail after posting $50,000 bond. He is scheduled for an April 25 hearing before District Judge Joshua Kanalis.