PA State Trooper Charged For Strangling Ex, Committing Her: Reports

DAUPHIN COUNTY, PA — A Pennsylvania state trooper is facing multiple charges after court documents said he strangled his ex-girlfriend and used his position to commit her to a medical facility for mental health issues against her will, according to authorities and multiple reports.

Ronald Keith Davis, 37, of Williamstown, was charged with strangulation, unlawful restraint, assault and false imprisonment following the off-duty incident on Aug. 21, Pennsylvania State Police said in a news release.

Davis, a trooper since March 2015, was based out of Troop L, which serves Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, authorities said.

According to a Fox 43 report, Davis is accused of trying to convince other troopers that the victim was suicidal. Reports said that in order to receive an involuntary mental health commitment order for the victim, Davis contacted Dauphin County Crisis Intervention and told them he was a trooper. He also provided his work email in order to obtain the order, reports said.

According to WHP-TV, Davis told authorities the woman was acting strange and depressed. He also said she had threatened to throw herself off a cliff.

Davis then located the victim and a struggle ensued, reports said. According to authorities and reports, Davis tackled the woman and restrained her. He also put her in a wrestling-style hold. Court documents said the victim told him multiple times she couldn't breathe, reports said.

The woman was then taken to a Schuylkill County hospital for evaluation, reports said. After her release, the woman told investigators Davis would threaten her with statements like "I know you're not crazy, I'll paint you as crazy," and "I know the law." Investigators also determined the woman was not a threat to herself, reports said.

Davis was suspended from Pennsylvania State Police without pay, authorities said. He is currently in Dauphin County Prison after his bail request was denied. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 2.