Chester Co. Cop Strangled Victim, Drove Drunk: Court Docs

WEST GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, PA — A police officer in Chester County drove drunk and strangled a victim, according to media sources and court documents.

It's not clear if Michael Meredith, 57, was still employed by the West Goshen Police Department at the time of the incident, on Nov. 8. He appeared in uniform at an event as recently as Oct. 5. Authorities have not confirmed dates of his employment.

A criminal docket in the Magisterial District Court shows Meredith has been charged with strangulation, DUI, reckless endangerment, harassment, and simple assault.

Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, and both county and township police have thus far declined to make any public statement.

At some point on Nov. 8, Meredith climbed on top of a victim, put pressure on their neck, and hit them in the face, according to a criminal complaint obtained by NBC 10 Philadelphia.

It's also not known if Meredith was on duty at the time of the incident.

Officers responding to the scene found Meredith in his vehicle smelling like alcohol, that report adds.

NBC 10 said the location of the incident was redacted in the criminal complaint.

Meredith posted $100,000 bail and was released. A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 20.