A Kunkletown man has been charged with strangulation after an altercation in Polk Township.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Trooper Robert Miller of the Pennsylvania State Police, Lehighton barracks, in the case against David Ackley Jr.:

At 9:56 a.m. May 17, a man called into state police at Lehighton to report a fight that occurred on Route 534 near Dorshimer Road.

He alleged that Ackley, 36, placed his hands around his neck until he lost consciousness, and that the two were inside of a moving vehicle at the time.

The man said that when he regained consciousness, his truck was disabled in the woods, and Ackley had left the scene. The man’s wife picked him up and took him to his home in Chestnuthill Township, where he contacted police.

Troopers went to Ackley’s home in Polk Township, but he had left on bicycle.

Two other troopers spotted him on Route 534 at its intersection with Route 209.

They activated their emergency lights and siren, but Ackley kept going and entered the Kresgeville Eatery & Bar in an attempt to evade apprehension.

Police took him into custody by force.

The investigation determined that Ackley’s operating privileges are suspended for DUI reasons.

Ackley denied choking the man to police but was largely incoherent.

Police said his speech was rapid, erratic and raspy, his eyes were bloodshot and he was profusely sweating. When asked, Ackley denied any recent drug use.

He was taken to the barracks, where he failed sobriety tests.

Ackley subsequently waived to Monroe County Court charges of strangulation, flight to avoid apprehension/trial/punishment, simple assault, harassment, evading arrest, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, driving under the influence of alcohol/controlled substance, careless driving and scattering rubbish.

He is in Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of $65,000 bail.