Man accused of strangling woman in Mercer County pleads to lesser charge

A man originally facing several charges for allegedly trying to strangle a woman in Mercer County has pleaded guilty to a less serious charge.

Hoang Anh Ly, 39, of Lawton, Oklahoma was arrested on August 30 and charged with strangulation, assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.

According to State Police, Ly was traveling across the country with a 29-year-old woman when they ran out of money and began to argue.

The woman told investigators that when they were driving along the Perry Highway in Lackawannock Township, Ly grabbed her neck, choking her and shoving her against the passenger side door of the car.

The woman said she escaped and ran to a motel.  According to police, Ly fled to a nearby gas station where he was arrested and jailed on $50,000 bond.

Eventually, Ly pleaded guilty to one count of disorderly conduct. The remaining three charges were dismissed.