McKean County Man Charged with Strangulation, Assault
SMETHPORT, Pa. — Richard Allen Lacer, 42, of Warren, Pa., is facing multiple charges, including strangulation and simple assault, after an incident on June 19, 2026, in Hamilton Township, McKean County. According to court records, Lacer was arrested by Trooper Richard T. Obermeyer of the Lewis Run PSP and charged with two counts of felony strangulation, one count of misdemeanor simple assault, one count of summary harassment, and one count of summary public drunkenness.
The charges against Lacer include 18 Pa.C.S. § 2718(A1), which pertains to strangulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck, and 18 Pa.C.S. § 2718(A2), which pertains to strangulation by blocking the nose and mouth of the person. He is also charged with 18 Pa.C.S. § 2701(A1) for simple assault, 18 Pa.C.S. § 2709(A1) for harassment, and 18 Pa.C.S. § 5505 for public drunkenness.
Lacer’s preliminary arraignment is scheduled for June 20, 2026, at 12:00 am, and his preliminary hearing is set for June 25, 2026, at 8:30 am, both before Magisterial District Judge David Richard Engman. Lacer is currently being held at the McKean County Prison, unable to post $50,000 monetary bail.
The case is being prosecuted by the McKean County District Attorney’s Office. Lacer has not requested a public defender, and it is not indicated that he has been assigned counsel. The defendant has been advised of his right to apply for assignment of counsel and has been fingerprinted.
It is important to note that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The McKean County District Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute the case, and the court will determine the outcome based on the evidence presented.
This article was generated based on publicly available court docket information. While we strive for accuracy, the content may contain errors or omissions. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For official court records and legal guidance, please consult the appropriate court or legal professional.
