A mother returned home to a scene inside her Uniontown apartment that police say escalated into an attempted assault involving her two young sons and a trusted roommate.
Uniontown, PA – A Fayette County woman is facing multiple charges after police say she attempted to force a 5-year-old child out of a third-story window and later tried to drown the child and his mother inside an apartment. The incident unfolded after the children’s mother briefly left her sons in the care of her roommate, identified as 40-year-old Vira Zabudko.
According to Uniontown police, the mother had asked Zabudko to watch her 5- and 11-year-old sons while she moved belongings. When she returned, she was initially unable to get back inside the apartment. After gaining entry, she allegedly found Zabudko attempting to push the younger child through a window screen from the third floor.
Allegations detailed in criminal complaint
A criminal complaint obtained by local media states that a struggle began as the mother intervened. During the confrontation, Zabudko allegedly told the 5-year-old to get into the shower “to wash the sins out because he is dirty.” Police said the situation escalated further when Zabudko allegedly forced both the child and his mother into the bathroom and attempted to submerge their heads underwater in the bathtub.
The mother was able to escape the apartment with both children. Responding officers later located the family, noting all three were soaked but did not appear to have visible injuries.
Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele told WPXI that “the children did not have any visible injuries,” but added that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed.
Charges filed, court date set
Zabudko has been charged with aggravated assault, two counts of unlawful restraint, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, and simple assault. She was taken into custody at the Fayette County Jail and later posted bond.
As part of her release conditions, Zabudko has been ordered to have no contact with the mother or her children. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 9.
