Monessen man charged in alleged domestic assault
A Monessen man is facing charges after he allegedly attacked his girlfriend when she tried to call the police.
Michael R. Dragicevich, 47, of 410 Second St. is charged with strangulation, unlawful restraint and simple assault.
Monessen police said they have been called to the home at least six times in the last several months for reported domestic disputes. Dragicevich is typically intoxicated when police arrive, they said.
On Sunday at about 2:30 a.m., Dragicevich was reportedly intoxicated and woke his girlfriend, Stephanie Berie, demanding cigarettes.
According to the affidavit of probable cause filed in his case, the argument escalated when the couple began arguing about his excessive drinking and aggression. As he became more intoxicated, she tried to call 911. He allegedly 鈥渞ipped the phone from her hands鈥� and 鈥渂ear hugged鈥� her for several minutes in what police described as a standing rear headlock. Berie reported her movements were completely restricted, causing her to fear serious injury.
Dragicevich reportedly told police his girlfriend鈥檚 account was accurate. He was quoted in court paperwork as saying, 鈥淚 took her phone, because I鈥檓 tired of her always calling the police on me.鈥�
He was arraigned Monday morning by Magisterial District Judge Joseph A. Dalfonso, who set bail at $15,000. He remains in the Westmoreland County lockup in lieu of bond.