Richard Scott Best Jr. is currently incarcerated at the McKean County Jail, in lieu of $30,000 bail, for allegedly strangling his girlfriend in the parking lot of Busty Heart’s over the weekend.

Best, 33, of 193 Long Hollow, Turtlepoint, was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Bill Todd on Dec. 16. He is charged with strangulation — applying pressure to throat or neck, and strangulation — blocking the nose and mouth of the person, both second-degree felonies; misdemeanors for disorderly conduct, engaging in fighting and simple assault; as well as a summary charge of harassment, according to court documents.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police criminal complaint, troopers arrived on scene following a report of a domestic in progress. The woman reported that Best had choked her three times and impeded her breathing.

The victim told troopers she was trying to drive because Best had a CDL and she didn’t want him to get a DUI, and this was what caused the fight between them. Best allegedly pushed the victim out of the driver’s seat while they were in the parking lot of Busty Heart’s.

Troopers attempted to interview Best, but he would not speak to them except to say the victim was lying, the report read.

The report also indicated a strong odor of alcohol on Best and that his eyes were bloodshot and glossy. Troopers noted that he did not have any apparent injuries, nor did he report any.

Photos, taken by the victim’s daughter, were shown to the officer. Per the report, the images were of the victim’s neck with visible red marks. Officers also noted the victim had broken blood vessels around her collarbone and neck, cuts inside her mouth, and slight bleeding.

Best is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Thursday.