East Bethlehem man arrested for assault of his pregnant wife
An East Bethlehem Township man was arraigned early Tuesday on a warrant obtained by state police for allegedly assaulting his pregnant wife during a Feb. 1 domestic dispute at their home.
Jerry Michael Murray, 31, of 101 Frederick Terrace, Fredericktown, is charged with firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of marijuana, person not to possess a firearm, simple assault, resisting arrest and two counts of terroristic threats.
Troopers were dispatched and learned Murray reportedly was in a physical altercation with his 30-year-old wife, who was six months pregnant with their third child. Troopers also learned that he reportedly had a gun.
When police arrived, she ran out the front door and told police Murray was going out the back door. A trooper ordered Murray to stop as he reportedly ran around the building. A trooper chased after him as Murray ran across the road and behind a home on Crawford Road. Police saw Murray reach into the waistband of his pants, appearing to pull something out.
When he was taken into custody, police found a pocket knife in the waistband of his pants. They also found a revolver in the area where he ran behind the home on Crawford. The homeowner told troopers neither she nor her husband own a gun.
The woman told police Murray had been gone for several days. She said he returned that morning and passed out on the couch. When he woke up, he reportedly became angry and threatened to shoot her and their children. Murray reportedly pushed her and punched her in the head.
Murray was arraigned before District Judge Traci McDonald and placed in Washington County jail on $100,000 bond. He is scheduled for a July 31 preliminary hearing before District Judge Joshua Kanalis.