Overview
- Police say the Valentine’s Day incident in Butler City began with an assault in which the victim reported being struck, nearly strangled, and shoved into a wall, tearing out her lip ring and cutting her ear.
- Investigators report the suspect forced the woman into a U-Haul, held scissors to her, and threatened to kill her before she tried to escape.
- Surveillance footage shows the woman running into Butler Tobacco and Grocery, and investigators say the suspect tried to stab her with scissors, cutting her pants and striking her buttocks as she fled.
- Store worker Tori Adams described the victim as bloody, barefoot, and pleading for help, and said staff confronted the suspect as he searched the shop before leaving.
- After a BOLO, Evans City and Jackson Township officers stopped the U-Haul following a short chase, arrested Kenneth M. Clarke, and authorities say he was arraigned on charges including kidnapping, aggravated assault, strangulation, terroristic threats, and simple assault.