Jun 5, 2018 3 min read

Canonsburg police are investigating separate assaults Friday, including one that ended in the arrest of a man on strangulation and assault charges.

James R. Maddox, 32, of 220 Glenn Ave., Canonsburg, is accused of assaulting his 28-year-old girlfriend at their apartment Friday night.

When police arrived after getting the call about 9:40 p.m., they could hear yelling and commotion. Maddox was coming up the stairs, followed by the alleged victim and a neighbor.

Police said they could see the alleged victim, Cottie Richter, had bruised and bloody arms, and red ligature and hand imprints on her throat. They said both of her eyes were bruised and swollen. She reportedly told police she and Maddox got into an argument and he threw her into a fish tank in the living room, knocking her to the floor. He then allegedly started to choke her and punch her in the face.

Maddox reportedly left the apartment but returned. When he learned Richter had called police, Maddox allegedly threw her to the ground and again choked her, pinning down her arms with his knees. He also allegedly punched her again, causing her to lose consciousness. Richter told police she thought she was going to die.

Police said Maddox claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging Richter punched him first.

Maddox was arraigned before District Judge Mark Wilson on charges of strangulation, aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment. He was placed in Washington County jail on $25,000 bond. He is scheduled for a June 12 preliminary hearing before District Judge David Mark. Maddox also is wanted on a warrant on drug charges from Philadelphia County.

Police also are investigating the assault earlier Friday of 28-year-old Raymond Santoro inside his Bluff Street home.

Police were called about noon Friday to Canonsburg Hospital, where Santora was being treated for facial and head injuries before being transferred to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Santoro’s jaw was reportedly broken in four places, and his nose was broken in two areas. He also suffered other facial fractures, including a broken orbital bone. His father told police the doctor told him the injuries were caused by more than being punched with a fist.

Santoro’s roommate found him bleeding on a couch, and friends took Santoro to the hospital.

Santoro reportedly came home about 5 a.m. but could not remember what happened after that, police said. The roommate told police he went to bed, leaving Santoro with another acquaintance.

Police went to the home, where they found brass knuckles and an empty bottle of whiskey. There were bloodstains on the couch, living room floor and walls. Police have not been able to talk with the man who was with Santoro. The investigation is continuing, and charges are pending.