Local Man Faces Trial For Attempted Kidnapping

A South Strabane Township man charged with attempted kidnapping waived his case to common pleas court on Tuesday. According to the criminal complaint, Jose Zaragoza, 48 and his ex-girlfriend agreed to discuss issues with an upcoming court proceeding when police were called to the Giant Eagle parking lot in Strabane Square on May 6. The report indicates Zaragoza approached her with a roll of duct tape and tried to forcibly remove her from her car saying “you’re coming with me.” The report says that he tried to choke her and covered her mouth with his hand as she tried to call for help. Zaragoza fled in his pick-up truck. When police arrived they found the woman with scratches and swelling on her arms and neck. Zaragoza faces felony charges of attempted kidnapping, strangulation and flight along with a misdemeanor simple assault charge. He will be arraigned June 20.