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A Philadelphia man is facing felony charges after police said he forced his way into a Doylestown Township apartment last month, allegedly strangling a victim and attacking them with household items before being locked out and attempting to re-enter through a window.
Joseph Brown, 69, of the 1900 block of 73rd Avenue, was arrested Aug. 21 and charged by Doylestown Township Police with felony counts of burglary, strangulation, and criminal trespassing, along with misdemeanor counts of simple assault and terroristic threats, according to court documents.
Police said officers were dispatched around 7 p.m. to Grundy Hall, located on Almshouse Road, for a report of an unwanted subject. According to the affidavit, Brown first tried to force his way in through the front door, and when locked out, allegedly climbed through a first-floor window to gain entry.
Investigators said a verbal argument escalated when Brown demanded sexual favors and allegedly strangled the victim for more than a minute, preventing them from breathing. Police said he then struck the victim in the head with a glass candleholder and threw a chair before the victim convinced him to step outside, where he was locked out.
Brown allegedly continued pounding on the door, then gained access through the bedroom window, threatening to kill the victim if police were called, according to court documents. The victim fled the apartment screaming for help, and Brown ran from the scene, police said.
Doylestown officers located Brown a short time later in the complex’s parking lot, wearing clothing that matched the description provided to police. He was taken into custody and later identified by the victim, according to the affidavit.
Brown remains jailed on 10% of $50,000 cash bail ahead of a Sept. 8 preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Mark Douple.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
