Bystander broke the chokehold before the defendant fled from police
LANCASTER, PA — An EMS captain trying to help an unconscious man suddenly found himself trapped in a chokehold, forcing a bystander to intervene before the man fled from police and was ultimately subdued with a stun gun — a violent encounter that has now landed the 33-year-old defendant in county prison.
Rashaun Marquis Sligh, who has no fixed address, was sentenced by Judge Dennis Reinaker to one year less a day to two years less a day in county prison, followed by five years of probation.
Sligh pleaded guilty July 31 to aggravated assault, evading arrest or detention on foot, resisting arrest, use or possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness.
The charges stemmed from a November incident near South Water and West Farnum streets in Lancaster.
First responders were dispatched to the intersection after Sligh was found unconscious on the ground.
A Lancaster EMS captain began providing aid to Sligh, but Sligh suddenly grabbed the EMS worker by the throat and began choking him, according to prosecutors.
A bystander intervened and helped the EMS captain escape the chokehold.
Sligh then fled on foot and ignored commands from police officers attempting to stop him, prosecutors said.
Two officers eventually caught up with Sligh in the first block of South Prince Street.
Sligh continued physically resisting arrest, prompting an officer to use a stun gun to subdue him.
Following the arrest, authorities said Sligh made excited and nonsensical statements, appeared disoriented and showed signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance.
A subsequent search uncovered glass crack pipes and a marijuana grinder in his possession, according to prosecutors.
Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman prosecuted the case. Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer Jason Windlebleck filed the charges.
Key Points
- Rashaun Marquis Sligh, 33, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and several other charges stemming from an encounter with first responders.
- Sligh choked a Lancaster EMS captain who was attempting to provide him aid before a bystander helped free the victim.
- Sligh was sentenced to one year less a day to two years less a day in county prison followed by five years of probation.
