by Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania – A man already facing trial in the death of his infant son is back in custody after prosecutors say he assaulted his wife, threatened her with a gun, and sparked a hours-long police standoff while she was on the phone with 911.
The Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office announced that David Strause III, 43, has been charged with multiple new offenses following the violent incident, which unfolded early Tuesday morning at the couple’s home.
Domestic Assault Reported During Early-Morning 911 Call
According to prosecutors, Strause’s wife called 911 at approximately 1:30 a.m., reporting that she was being assaulted by her husband inside their Fredericksburg residence.
State police were dispatched immediately, but when officers arrived, they encountered a volatile and escalating situation.
“The defendant refused to exit the residence or desist,” the district attorney’s office said, describing a tense standoff that lasted several hours.
Argument Escalated After Night of Drinking
Investigators say the incident began after the couple had been out drinking on the night of February 1, when an argument broke out over the wife’s ex-boyfriend.
After returning home, prosecutors allege Strause pushed his wife onto a bed. When she attempted to stand, police say Strause struck her in the face with a firearm, causing her lip to bleed.
“The victim reported being hit with a gun,” prosecutors stated.
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911 Call Captures Chaos as Wife Tries to Escape
Fearing for her safety, Strause’s wife ran to the basement to call 911. Authorities say Strause followed her downstairs, and dispatchers could hear the couple arguing during the call.
According to police, Strause was heard shouting:
“This is how you want it to end, get out!”
Moments later, he allegedly grabbed her phone and smashed it, cutting off the call.
The wife managed to flee the home in her vehicle as police were en route.
Gunshots Fired as Wife Flees, Police Say
As she escaped, the wife told investigators she heard gunshots coming from the residence. When state troopers arrived, they reportedly observed her vehicle driving away from the scene.
Police later said they found evidence that shots had been fired toward the vehicle, significantly escalating the severity of the incident.
“Evidence indicated that gunfire occurred as the victim fled,” the DA’s office said.
Hours-Long Standoff Ends With Surrender
Following the initial chaos, law enforcement from multiple agencies remained staged outside the home for hours, attempting to negotiate with Strause.
“Various departments remained on scene while negotiations continued,” prosecutors said.
Strause ultimately surrendered at approximately 9 a.m. and was taken into custody by Pennsylvania State Police without further incident.
Defendant Awaiting Trial in Infant’s Death
The arrest comes as Strause was already awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the death of his 3-month-old son, Gavin, who died of asphyxia on May 8, 2024.
According to prior court records, the infant was placed to sleep on his stomach and later found unresponsive in his crib. Investigators said paperwork outlining safe infant sleep practices was found inside the home.
Both Strause and his wife were charged in the child’s death. Strause’s trial is scheduled to begin March 23.
New Charges Filed, Bail Denied
In the latest case, Strause is facing several serious charges, including:
- Aggravated assault
- Simple assault
- Recklessly endangering another person
- Disorderly conduct
He is currently being held at the Lebanon County Jail without bail, according to court records.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 12.
Case Raises Concerns About Domestic Violence Risks
Prosecutors emphasized that the incident highlights the extreme danger associated with domestic violence situations, particularly when firearms are involved and victims attempt to seek help.
“This was a highly volatile and dangerous situation that could have ended even more tragically,” officials said.
As Strause now faces multiple felony cases, investigators continue reviewing evidence from both incidents as the legal proceedings move forward.
What are your thoughts on how courts should handle defendants accused in multiple violent cases at once? Share your perspective in the comments below.
